How To Treat Self-harm In Adolescents? 6 Tips To Address This Situation

Adolescence is a stage of life full of changes and challenges. In recent times, we have seen a worrying increase in self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation among young people. This is a delicate topic that requires special attention and deep understanding in order to offer the necessary help.

How to treat self-harm in adolescents?

Some tips that you can keep in mind to address and treat self-harm in adolescents they are the following:

1. He emotional support It is a vital part of adolescent development and well-being, especially when they are going through periods of emotional distress. During adolescence, young people experience a series of physical, emotional, and social changes that can be overwhelming and challenging. The right emotional support can provide them with the tools necessary to navigate these often turbulent waters with greater confidence and resilience.
2. He emotional discomfort In adolescents it can manifest itself in various ways, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and behavioral problems. It is crucial to recognize these signs and offer a safe space where teens feel heard and validated in their experiences. An empathetic, non-judgmental approach is essential to foster open and honest communication. Additionally, it is important to promote healthy emotional expression. Teenagers should feel free to express their feelings without fear of being judged or punished. Creative activities such as art, writing or music can be excellent ways for young people to explore and communicate their emotions. Support can also include mental health education.
3. Provide information about how to manage stress, developing coping skills and recognizing when to seek professional help can empower teens to take control of their emotional well-being. It is vital that adults are role models when it comes to mental health. Adolescents observe and learn from the attitudes and behaviors of the adults in their lives. By managing our own emotions in a healthy way and seeking help when necessary, we can teach them, for example, the importance of emotional care. Emotional support is a key component to help adolescents overcome emotional distress.
4. To the provide empathetic support, promote healthy expression and educate about mental health, we can guide young people towards a happier and more balanced life. Self-harm, which often manifests itself in behaviors such as cutting or burning, is a way of dealing with emotional pain, anger, or frustration. Suicidal ideations, on the other hand, can arise from hopelessness or the feeling of having no way out. Both behaviors are warning signs that a teen is suffering and needs support.
5. How can we help? The first step to help is offer active listening It is crucial to create a safe space where teens feel comfortable expressing their feelings without judgment.
6. It is important encourage seeking professional support. Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to provide healthy coping strategies and can help adolescents overcome these challenges. Mental health education is essential. We must foster an environment where these issues are talked about openly, demystifying stigmas and promoting greater understanding. Toll-Free Help Numbers and ResourcesIn crisis situations, it is vital to have access to immediate help. The toll-free number **024** is available 24 hours a day to provide emotional support and guidance. In addition, there are other avenues for help such as specific hotlines for adolescents, mobile emotional well-being applications and websites with educational resources.

As a society, we have the responsibility to take care of the mental health of our young people. By paying attention and providing the right resources, we can make a significant difference in their lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors, you are not alone. Seek help; There are people willing to support you and paths to recovery.

Here we leave some references to existing literature on adolescence and mental health, highlighting the most relevant research and its findings. One of the fundamental texts in this field is “Adolescent mental health: a guide for parents, teachers and professionals” by Juan Carlos Arango. This book provides a comprehensive view of mental health issues most common in adolescents, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Arango offers practical strategies for support and early intervention. Another important work is ““Adolescence and psychopathology” by Mariano Chóliz.

This book focuses on how Changes typical of adolescence can influence the development of psychopathologies. Chóliz discusses how factors such as social and family pressure, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships can affect the mental health of young people. The investigation ““Risk and protective factors in adolescent mental health: a longitudinal study” Published in the journal Educational Psychology, it analyzes how certain factors can prevent or exacerbate mental health problems in adolescents. This longitudinal study highlights the importance of the family and school environment as protective elements.

Finally, we cannot fail to mention the report “Adolescent mental health: a global challenge of the World Health Organization (WHO). This document offers a global perspective on the state of adolescent mental health and highlights the need for public policies that promote emotional and psychological well-being in this population. These are just some of the many available sources on adolescence and mental health. It is essential that educators, parents and professionals are aware of these resources in order to offer the best possible support to young people during this critical stage of their lives.