Help For Self-Harm
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What is self-harm?
Self-harm is increasing in the UK, especially amongst teenagers. Self-harm is a way for the person to control their feelings, to distract from their emotions or a way of expressing what they are feeling. It is used to reduce tension, to give release and, although not obvious, it's a form of self-soothing. It may, however, be a form of self-hate. Self-harm is the deliberate act of hurting oneself - more obviously physically and can take the form of cutting, burning, scratching, drawing blood, slapping, punching, hitting, bruising or poisoning (alcohol or overdose). Sometimes self-harm can proceed suicide, but often the person wants release from their emotional pain rather than wanting to die. However, self-harm can result in unintended death. Angela has worked with teenagers and adults who self-harm and those who have suicide ideation. |
What are the reasons for self-harming?
Today's world is proving stressful for our youth - there is so much pressure on them to do well at school, do well with friendships, to be accepted by peers, fearing judgment and rejection in a world where social media offers immediacy, comparison and where anyone can express an opinion, whether kind or unkind, thoughtful or unthoughtful. There are more divorces and separated families too, which brings its own challenges and upsets. Families are busy, parents are busy and often there doesn't seem any time to just "be" or just play.
Being a teenager is one of life's most challenging periods. Who are we in the world? Who are we, in ourselves? If we, as teenagers, don't have anyone we can fully express ourselves with, to offload the anxiety, confusion or pain we feel, even if we don't understand those emotions ourselves, we bottle and suppress those emotions. Self-harm is a way of managing and expressing what we feel inside and what we're struggling with. It can also be a form of self-anger and self-hate, expressed inwardly rather than outwardly.
What can be done if you suspect your child is self-harming?
There is help available. It's important that you listen to your child and don't react adversely if you discover they've been self-harming. Take them and their emotions seriously. Angela would suggest you see your GP and ask to be referred to CAMHS in the first instance. Angela has worked with many teenagers who self-harm and that work sometimes takes place alongside waiting for a CAMHS consultation. Please call or email her to find out how she can help you and your teen.
Today's world is proving stressful for our youth - there is so much pressure on them to do well at school, do well with friendships, to be accepted by peers, fearing judgment and rejection in a world where social media offers immediacy, comparison and where anyone can express an opinion, whether kind or unkind, thoughtful or unthoughtful. There are more divorces and separated families too, which brings its own challenges and upsets. Families are busy, parents are busy and often there doesn't seem any time to just "be" or just play.
Being a teenager is one of life's most challenging periods. Who are we in the world? Who are we, in ourselves? If we, as teenagers, don't have anyone we can fully express ourselves with, to offload the anxiety, confusion or pain we feel, even if we don't understand those emotions ourselves, we bottle and suppress those emotions. Self-harm is a way of managing and expressing what we feel inside and what we're struggling with. It can also be a form of self-anger and self-hate, expressed inwardly rather than outwardly.
What can be done if you suspect your child is self-harming?
There is help available. It's important that you listen to your child and don't react adversely if you discover they've been self-harming. Take them and their emotions seriously. Angela would suggest you see your GP and ask to be referred to CAMHS in the first instance. Angela has worked with many teenagers who self-harm and that work sometimes takes place alongside waiting for a CAMHS consultation. Please call or email her to find out how she can help you and your teen.
