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

What do you think of this episode? Do you have any topics you'd like me to cover?

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
• Selfhar

OtoZen — a new driving safety app
Are you worried about your teenager getting distracted behind the wheel? 

The OtoZen app helps in real time — not just after something’s gone wrong. It has voice alerts, drive scores, and even safe driving challenges you can set together, it’s the kind of tech that actually helps your teen build better habits. 

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by OtoZen: The brilliant new driving safety app

https://www.otozen.com

Please hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message.

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

My email is [email protected]
And my website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:
www.teenagersuntangled.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/

You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk