Understanding Self Harm in Young People: The Role of Counselling and CBT

Introduction

Self harm in young people is a distressing issue that affects many today. It involves deliberately inflicting pain or injury on oneself, often as a way to cope with intense emotions. Understanding why self harm in young people occurs and how to effectively support them is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.

In this blog post, we will explore the links between self harm in young people, its impact, and the role of counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in helping them overcome this challenging behaviour.

Why does self harm in young people occur?

Emotional release
Many young people engage in self harm as a way to release overwhelming emotions such as sadness, anger, or frustration. The physical pain from self harm can temporarily distract from emotional pain, providing a sense of relief and acting as a coping mechanism for those struggling with self harm in young people.

Feeling of control
Self harm can give young people a sense of control in situations where they feel powerless. This behaviour can become a way to manage feelings of chaos or helplessness, offering a way to cope with these intense emotions related to self harm in young people.

Expression of internal struggles
For some young people, self harm is a way to express feelings they find difficult to articulate. It can be a cry for help or a way to externalise internal turmoil that they cannot communicate verbally, highlighting the struggles associated with self harm in young people.

What are the consequences of self harm in young people?

Physical injury
Self harm in young people can lead to serious physical injuries, including cuts, burns, and bruises. These injuries can become infected or result in permanent scarring, underscoring the severe consequences of self harm in young people.

Emotional and psychological impact
The act of self harming can reinforce negative feelings and thoughts, leading to a cycle of guilt, shame, and further self harm. It can also contribute to the development of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, exacerbating the effects of self harm in young people.

Social isolation
Young people who engage in self harm may withdraw from friends and family due to shame or fear of being misunderstood. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair, compounding the challenges associated with self harm in young people.

How can counselling help with self harm in young people?

Providing a safe space
Counselling offers a safe, non-judgmental environment where young people can explore their feelings and experiences related to self harm. A trained counsellor can help them understand the underlying causes of their self harm and develop healthier ways to cope with their emotions.

Emotional support
Counsellors provide emotional support and validation, helping young people feel heard and understood. This support is crucial in building their self-esteem and resilience, aiding in their recovery from self harm.

Developing coping strategies
Through counselling, young people can learn effective coping strategies to manage their emotions and reduce the urge to self harm. Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and stress management can be beneficial in addressing self harming behaviours.

What role does CBT play in addressing self harm in young people?

Identifying negative thought patterns
CBT helps young people identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that contribute to their self harming behaviour. By recognising these thoughts, they can begin to understand how they influence their emotions and actions, a key aspect of addressing self harm in young people.

Changing behaviour
CBT focuses on changing harmful behaviours by addressing the thoughts and feelings that drive them. Young people can learn to replace self harming behaviours with healthier alternatives, such as engaging in physical activity or creative expression.

Building problem-solving skills
CBT teaches problem-solving skills that can help young people navigate difficult situations without resorting to self harm. These skills empower them to handle stress and challenges more effectively.

How can parents and educators support a young person who self harms?

Open communication
Encourage open and honest communication with young people about their feelings and experiences related to self harm. Creating a safe space for them to talk about their struggles can help them feel supported and less alone.

Educate yourself
Educate yourself about self harm and its underlying causes. Understanding the issue can help you respond with empathy and provide appropriate support to young people dealing with self harm.

Seek professional help
If you suspect a young person is self harming, seek professional help immediately. Counsellors, therapists, and healthcare providers can offer the necessary support and treatment to address self harm and its underlying causes.

How we can help

Understanding and addressing self harm in young people is a complex but essential task. By recognising the signs and providing the right support, we can help young people overcome this challenging behaviour.

At the Sheffield Wellness Centre, we offer counselling and Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help young people manage their emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. Remember, support is available, and no one has to face this alone.