Self-harm in adolescents is a worrying problem that requires understanding and attention from parents, educators and mental health professionals. Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-harm, is self-harming behavior without suicidal intent, which may include cutting the skin, burning, hitting, scratching, or causing other forms of physical harm. These behaviors may be an indicator of underlying emotional discomfort that the adolescent does not know how to express in any other way.
1. Unresolved emotional problems
One of the possible causes of self-harm in adolescents is unresolved emotional problems. Adolescents go through a stage of life full of physical, hormonal, social and emotional changes, which can generate a high level of stress and anxiety. If a teen is experiencing emotional difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, past trauma, or self-esteem issues, they may turn to self-harm as a way to relieve emotional pain. For these adolescents, the act of self-harm can create a sense of control over their overwhelming emotions or serve as a temporary distraction from their internal discomfort.
How to intervene?
It is crucial that Adolescents who self-harm receive the support they need to address underlying emotional problems. Individual or family therapy, support groups, and healthy coping strategies can be effective tools to help adolescents manage their emotions more constructively and develop skills to regulate their emotions without resorting to self-harm.
2. Social pressure and interpersonal conflicts
Another common cause of self-harm in adolescents is social pressure and interpersonal conflicts. During adolescence, young people experience intense pressure to fit into social groups, achieve certain standards of beauty and success, and maintain meaningful relationships. Conflicts with friends, classmates or family, bullying, discrimination and loneliness can generate deep emotional discomfort in adolescents, leading them to resort to self-harm as a way of dealing with their pain and frustration.
How to intervene?
It is essential to address and prevent negative social pressure and interpersonal conflicts in the lives of adolescents. Parents, educators, and other trusted adults should foster an environment of support and understanding, encourage empathy and open communication, and provide tools to resolve conflicts in healthy ways. Additionally, it is important to educate teens about the importance of setting healthy boundaries in their relationships and seeking help when facing significant interpersonal problems.
3. History of trauma or abuse
Adolescents who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual trauma in the past, or who have been victims of abuse or neglect, are at increased risk of resorting to self-harm as a form of coping. cope with your pain and anguish. Unresolved trauma can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety or feelings of hopelessness, leading adolescents to seek temporary relief through self-harm.
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It is essential to provide a safe and supportive environment for adolescents who have experienced trauma or abuse. Specialized trauma therapy, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, can help youth process and heal emotional wounds from the past, learn healthy coping strategies, and develop a sense of security and positive self-esteem. It is crucial that these adolescents receive the attention and care necessary to break the cycle of self-harm and promote their emotional recovery.
4. Difficulties regulating emotions
Some adolescents may face difficulties regulating their emotions in a healthy way, leading them to resort to self-harm as a way to relieve intolerable emotional tension. A lack of effective coping skills, an inability to identify and communicate emotions appropriately, or an overwhelming feeling of emptiness or hopelessness can contribute to self-harm in adolescents.
How to intervene ?
It is essential that adolescents learn effective strategies to regulate their emotions and cope with stress in a healthy way. Coping skills therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other therapeutic modalities may be beneficial in helping adolescents develop emotional self-management skills, increase their emotional awareness, and strengthen their resilience in the face of adversity. emotional. Additionally, regularly practicing self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, creative writing, or artistic practice, can be an effective way to promote emotional well-being and prevent self-harm.
In conclusion, Self-harm in adolescents can have various causes, ranging from unresolved emotional problems, social pressure, history of trauma or abuse, to difficulties regulating emotions. It is essential to address these underlying causes with compassion, support and specialized treatment to help adolescents overcome self-harm and promote their long-term emotional well-being.