15: Self-harm: What can I do if my teen is self-harming? Also, what's your talking style and how does it affect your teen?

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The rate of self-harm among young children in the UK has doubled over the last six years according to recent research compiled by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Keith Hawton, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford, told File on 4 the data on self-harm was “in keeping with what we’re finding from our research databases. It’s almost as though the problem is spreading down the age range. 

One analysis of self-injury behaviour across more than 40 countries found that the average age of the first incident of self-harm is 13 and adolescents have the highest rate of self-injury behaviour. 

Given the increasing risk that your teen, or one of their friends, will be impacted by self-harm we decided to delve into what it is and how we can better help our adolescents. 

One mum says that her 12 year old teen began self-harming due to bullying. She takes her to the swings whenever she needs to soothe herself, and says it makes all the difference. Such a great idea! 

Resources:

• https://www.priorygroup.com/media-centre/ten-ways-a-parent-can-help-a-child-avoid-self-harming
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/two-takes-depression/201803/6-tips-reduce-self-harm-in-children
• https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-harm/for-friends-and-family/
• https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/10-ways-people-self-harm-self-injure
• https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/23/health/mental-health-crisis-teens.html 
• https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/why-pro-self-injury-pro-self-harm-websites-are-dangerous
• https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/self-harm/self-harm-statistics/

HELPLINES:

• In the UK Samaritans, 116 123
• In the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
• In Australia the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14
• www.befrienders.org
• Selfharm.co.uk Called Alumina is a free online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm Each course has up to 8 people, all at home. You don’t need an adult to sign you up. UK.
• free online self-harm support for 14-19 year olds.
• LifeSIGNS.org.uk information to support people who are ready to find new ways to cope. 
• Selfinjurysupport.co.uk offers information and support to women and girls affected. 
• Youngminds.org.uk 
• Zest, counselling and support in Northern Ireland.
• Res

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I don't have medical training so please seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping.

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