Self Harm Awareness Month
In america, Canada, as well as in Western Europe, March is observed as Self-Harm Awareness Month. Self-harm awareness is critical since there are two-million installments of self-harm, mostly in youths, reported annually in the United States. Should you fear that the young person in your lifetime is within danger, learn about the various kinds of self-harm after which contact the caring, skilled doctors at Accxy today online or call to discuss the benefits of depression treatment.
What Is Self-Harm?
Self-harm, which might also be referred to as self-abuse, self-injury or self-mutilation, occurs when someone intentionally and repeatedly harms themselves. Self-harm is impulsive but not lethal.
The most common types of self-harm in teens and teenagers include:
- Cutting skin
- Burning
- Excessive scratching
- Hair pulling
- Drinking harmful substances
- Headbanging or hitting
- Punching, self or objects
- Breaking bones on purpose
Though self-harm is often not discussed openly, it's all too common. Self-harm awareness month is the ideal time to fully come to terms with the statistics surrounding this dangerous action. Self-harm happens in 4% of adults in the usa and it is more common among teenagers, with 15% of teens in the U.S. reporting some form of self-harm. That rates are even higher for young adults.
What Causes People To Harm Themselves?
People risk turning to self-harm as a means of dealing with pain or difficult emotions. You should note that in most cases, self-harm is not a suicide attempt but rather a way for teens to convey control once they believe that they do not have adequate treatments for aspects of their own life.
Teenagers who self-harm may also be doing this in reaction to the trauma they have experienced. A few of the trauma that may lead to self-harm include:
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Abandonment
Self-harm such as cutting or burning is scary enough for family members to witness but what makes seeking mental health treatment essential is what this kind of harm can lead to. This being self-harm awareness month, make now the time you part of and assist in preventing self-harm from turning into depression, eating disorders, or substance abuse.
The 5 best Warning Signs of Self-Harm
As you seek to gain self-harm awareness, realize that most teenagers who are engaging in self-harm try hard to keep it a secret. This means that it can be hard for you or any other caring, well-meaning adults to understand if your child is in danger or needs depression treatment.
If the kinds of self-harm they are engaging in the lead to bruises, scabs, or scars, teens will likely try to cover these up with clothing that may be inappropriate for that current weather, such as long sleeves or pants during the warm months, for example. If you inquire about their injuries, they may make an excuse or lie about what happened. To have self-harm awareness means to look deeper and find out through their fabricated stories to uncover the truth and help them ask for the care they deserve to improve.
The top five signs of self-harm include:
- Low self-esteem
- Decreased performance at school
- Increased isolation
- Relationship issues
- Unexplained injuries
Recognizing Self-Harm Awareness Month
Self Harm Awareness Month recognizes that self-harm doesn't discriminate. It is occurring right now across genders, races, beliefs, and ages. Up to 20% of Americans could be practicing some type of self-harm today, with 90% of that self harm starting during adolescence-usually around age 14.
While self-injury is not typically a suicide attempt, an adolescent may cause more damage than intended. Or, in more severe cases of self-harm, a teenager may lose control, which could lead to a real suicide attempt. Make self-harm awareness month time whenever you break through and get your child the help they require.
Mental health strategy to self-harm depends on the person and also the severity of the self-harm, but may include:
- Outpatient treatment
- Group therapy
- Depression treatment
- Residential, in-patient program
Learn More at Accxy
If you think your teen is engaging in acts of self-harm, contact a mental health professional at Accxy today to start getting your child the assistance they need. Use our secure online form or call us confidentially at today.