Children and Self-Harm

Children and Self-HarmA new study reveals that four-year-old people are influenced to an alarming degree by videos they witness on the Internet. This can include videos of other teens in the act of injuring or harming themselves. According to MedPage Today, most such videos lack warnings or viewing restrictions, making them popular among young adults and teens. Researchers worry that such videos may encourage copycat behavior of self-harm in children.It is in-chief(postnominal) for parents to be aware that some adolescents try to harm themselves due(p) to emotional issues. This self-injuring behavior may include cutting, severe scratching, mutilating the skin with sharp objects, biting, poisoning, and more, and it occurs among 14 to 21 percent of children, teens, and young adults. Apart from the power of videos to sway their behavior, self-harm in children and young adults is linked to low self-esteem and depression, as well as other emotional health issues, such as bipolar diso rder and obsessive-compulsive behavior.Spotting the Warning Signs of Self-Harm in Your ChildChildren and teenagers who hurt themselves do so in secrecy, which is often the main indication that something is wrong. While it is normal among adolescents to pull remote from parents when they are highly involved with friends or experiencing pressure, it is not normal for them to be physically and emotionally withdrawn for long periods of time. Though self-harming behavior can be dangerous, the actions do not include suicidal thoughts or attempts to end life.What are the red flags of self-injuring behavior? Could your child be doing this without you k like a shoting? As a parent, it is important to know the following signs that your child may be self-injuringUnexplained cuts or burn marks on different parts of the body, particularly on the arms, legs, and tumPresence of sharp objects, such as razors, blades, and knives, in your childs possessionProlonged periods of withdrawal or isolatio n, particularly in the bathroom or bedroomChanges in eating habits, such as deliberate self-starvation or binge eatingExcessive exercisingWearing inappropriate clothing for the weather with the intention to compensate the body marksUnhygienic practices, such as refusal to bathe or brush teethCommon Reasons Why Children Self-HarmIt is estimated that around 10 percent of young people harm themselves at some point. Knowing the signs can serve you understand the underlying origins and allow you to respond better.Self-harm in children is often an attempt to make do overwhelming emotional issues caused by the followingSocial problems-may include bullying, academic difficulties, relationship conflicts with family or friends, sexual disorientation, cultural adjustments, etc.Traumatic experiences-may be in the form of physical or sexual abuse, death of a loved one, or a violent event such as an accident or an act of terrorism.Emotional causes-such as dissociative disorder, borderline pers onality disorder, or schizophrenia.These issues can cause intense incurings of anger, hopelessness, guilt, and self-hatred. If not addressed properly, the emotions can build up, triggering workable self-harm to release the pent-up feelings.Discovering Your Child Is Self-InjuringLearning that your child is engaging in self-harming behavior can be scary. Your initial reaction may be reversal that your child is intentionally hurting himself or herself. You may also deny the behavior, as your memory conjures the image of a happy child, until the realization hits you that your child is in emotional distress.Its a valid feeling to be angry or frustrated with the fact that your child has lied or hid the truth from you. You may feel guilty for not noticing the change in your childs behavior or for disregarding it as part of the growing process. At the end of the day, you may try to appreciation how your child feels to help you understand his or her condition better. Finally, you may bla me yourself if you think you have not offered enough love and attention to your child.Help Is easyThe good news is that self-harm can be treated with professional intervention. Resolving self-harm in children doesnt require hospitalization unless the conduct is so severe it endangers life. Self-harm is generally not a sign of suicidal intent, but a struggle to overcome emotional pain thus, it takes counseling to treat self-harming behavior issues in children.Take the starting signal step toward seeking help for your child at Carolina Counseling Services in Pittsboro, NC. One of the independently contracted counselors at CCS is the right-fit therapist to evaluate and help discover the root cause of your childs condition. Getting early help can be invaluable for your child to get over self-harm and get better. Call now to request an appointment.