Self-Harm and Y oung People

1. Self-Harm and Young People By Kelly Bramstedt Picture souced from http://www.gotosee.co.uk/healthnews/2009/03/helping-curing-self-harm/

2. Define self-harm • Discuss the prevalence of self-harm • Outline • the functions and reasons for self-harm • Risk factors for self-harm • Risk factors for repeated self harm • Maintenance factors for repeated self-harm • Discuss treatment interventions, in particular • Ways parents or others can do to help a young person who self-harms • What youth can do if they self-harm Objectives of this lecture

3. Self-harm has been defined as “intentional poisoning or self-injury irrespective of the apparent purpose of the act”. • Self-harm behaviors include9,13,15 • self-cutting* • self-burning • poisoning (e.g. overdosing on medication)* • self-hitting • head banging • throwing self against hard surface • hair pulling • swallowing inappropriate objects • deliberately contaminating wounds What is self-harm? Picture sourced from Http://www.at-risk.org/blog/813/teen-self-harming-no-one-knows-the-reason-why/

4. An Australia survey reported that 1.1% of the 12,006 people surveyed had self-harmed the 4 weeks before completing the survey. • Self-harm was most prevalent in youth • males aged 10 to 19 years old • females aged 15 to 24 years old • The prevalence then declined with age for both genders. • The mean age for onset of first self-harm episode was 17 years old. • The number of reported self-harm episodes for individuals who self-harmed in the 4 week period ranged from 1 to 50 , with a mean of 7. • Some youth who self-harm stop, but others continue to self-harm. • In Sydney 67% of youth who were admitted to a hospital psychiatric unit for self-harmhad a history of self-harm. • People often self-harm in secret, few ask for help or receive medical treatment. How prevalent is self-harm in youth in australia?

5. It is a maladaptive way of coping with distress and feelings which are difficult to cope with and that the individual is unable to express in any other way. • Self-harming is often a way of expressing difficult emotions or releasing distressing feelings. • It also, • Provides a distraction from the emotional pain individuals feel. • allows the individual to feel something when they feel numb. • Self-harming only provides short-term relief from the emotional distress. • After self-harming youth may feel guilty, ashamed and disappointed which may exacerbate their distress and result in them engaging in further self-harming behaviors. Why do youth self-harm? Self-harming is often a way of expressing difficult emotions or releasing distressing feelings Picture sourced from http://www.youngminds.org.uk/news/blog/1110_report_urges_more_awareness_around_self-harm

6. A young person may self-harm in response to: • Low self-esteem • Being bullied at school • Stress and worry about performance at school • Difficulties in relationships with family • Parental divorce • Death of a loved one • Difficulties associated with sexuality • Experience of abuse in earlier childhood Why do youth self-harm? Picuture sourced from http://originalwavelength.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/are-there-bullies-in-your-school-at.html Picture sourced from http://www.ehow.com/how_5694078_make-teenager-hate.html

7. There are many risk factors for self-harm including the following • Low self-image and self-esteem • Family factors including • A family member attempting suicide or self-harming during the young person’s lifetime • Living with a step parent • Problems in the family • Increasing age • History of trauma including sexual abuse • Female gender • Substance use • Diagnosis of depression • Chronic physical and mental health conditions Who is most at risk of engaging in self-harming behaviour? Males self-harm as well, however females are more likely to seek medical attention Picture sourced from http://helpingmenblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/10-facts-about-men-and-boys-who-self.html

8. Young people may continue to engage in repeated self-harm as • The circumstances in which the individual started self-harming have not changed . • Belief that they have to self-harm to survive, that it is the only way to reduce unpleasant feelings, and communicate feelings to others. • The positive response from friends, family and medical professionals when self-harm reinforces the behaviour . • They lack the coping skills to deal with difficult feelings. Why do young people repeatedly self-harm?

9. how can parents and others help a young person who self-harms? • People often keep their self –harm a secret and go to great lengths to hide it from others. They often find it difficult to talk about their self-harm or the reasons they self-harm. • Why is it important to help young people who self-harm? • Young people who self harm are at greater risk of attempting and completing suicide. • Wound care can be difficult. • Limits the young persons range of coping strategies. • Limits the young persons opportunities to learn effective ways to cope with emotional pain. • Hospitalisation . Picture sourced from Http://www.youngminds.org.uk/news/n ews/456_100_000_young_people_could_be_hospitalised_due_to_self-harm_by_2020

10. how can parents and others help a young person who self-harms? • For parents and others caring for a young person who self harms, it is important • That you don’t panic or ignore the behaviour. • That you ask the young person if they feel suicidal, if they are or you think they are, then call or attend the local hospital or mental health service. • To help the young person administer first aid to their injuries if they have self harmed. If urgent medical attention is necessary call an ambulance (000) or take them to the emergency department of the local hospital.

11. how can parents help a young person who self-harms? • Parents can help a young person who self-harms by : • Managing their own emotions as often parents experience intense feelings when they learn that their child is self-harming, including guilt, embarrassment, and anger. • Encouraging and supporting them to seek professional help. • Help the young person feel safe to discuss the self-harm. • Trying to remain calm and not get angry or be critical when discussing self-harm. • As self-harming may be the only way the young person knows how to cope with difficult feelings, don’t try and force them to stop, instead reassure them that you don’t expect them to stop today. • Who can parents contact for support? • Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.orgauor phone 1300224636 or web chat • Parentline QLD: www.parentline.com.au or phone 1300301300 • Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au or phone 131114 • General practitioner • Psychologist • Trusted friend

12. Who can you contact for more information? • Lifeline, www.lifeline.org.au • Kids Helpline, www.kidshelp.com.au • Youth beyond Blue, www.youthbeyondblue.com • SANE Australia, www.sane.org • Headspace, www.headspace.org.au • Try to talk to an adult that you trust. Telling them can help make sure you are safe and if you need it, get medical treatment for your injuries. • Counseling is available. It can help you feel better and learn other ways to cope. • If you have suicidal thoughts you should seek help from a professional by calling or going to the local hospital, or calling a helpline (Lifeline on 131114 or Kids Helpline on 1800551800) Where can I get help for my self-harm?

13. Lifeline:www.lifeline.org.au or phone 131114 • Kids Helpline: www.kidshelp.com.au • Youth Beyond Blue:www.youthbeyondblue.com • SANE Australia:www.sane.org • Headspace:www.headspace.org.au • Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.auor phone 1300224636 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or web chat (available 4pm - 10pm AEST) • Parentline QLD: www.parentline.com.au or phone 1300301300 (available 8am to 10pm AEST, 7 days a week) Further information and support is available

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