Self-harm

Sam_Alumni

The Telegraph today reports that self-harm has risen dramatically in the past 6 years in teenage girls.

"Self-harm among young teenage girls rose nearly 70 per cent after 2011, due partly to “extreme” obsession with social media compared to boys, a new study has found."

An NSPCC spokesman said: “These heartbreaking figures are sadly unsurprising because Childline hears from so many young people who hurt themselves.

“Last year we held more than 15,000 counselling sessions about self harm, and many young people who talked about suicidal feelings also mentioned self-harm.”

The National Autistic Society says "About half of autistic people engage in self-injurious behaviour at some point in their life, and it can affect people of all ages."

There might be a number of factors causing someone to self-injure. People with learning disabilities told Self-Injury Support that they self-injure when:

• they feel they are not listened to 

• they have been told off

• they have little or no choice about things

• they have been bullied 

• they are involved in arguments, or hear other people arguing 

• they are feeling unwell

• they have memories of a bereavement

• they have memories of abuse.

MIND give some advice on helping people who self-harm, this can include writing a diary, using distraction or delaying techniques and reaching out for support and help.

If you are struggling at the moment with self-harm or other mental health issues, you can seek support through your GP or by speaking to someone at the Samaritans, calls are free and they are open 24 hours a day, you can call them on 116 123 (UK)

Why do you think self-harm is on the rise? Do you have any coping strategies to support people who self-harm?