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What are self-harming behaviours?
What are self-harming behaviours?
Self-harming behaviours include any deliberate attempt to hurt oneself such as burning, scratching, bruising, cutting or hitting to help relieve emotional pain, as a punishment for perceived wrongdoing or a way to symbolize emotional pain. Some children and adolescents who engage in these behaviours have suicidal thoughts while others do not. A recent report in August 2024 surveying students in Ontario between grades 7-12 by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health revealed that 19% of students reported harming themselves and 18 % of students thought seriously about suicide in the last year.
What are some reasons why some young people self-harm?
What are some reasons why some young people self-harm?
These behaviours usually occur after a stressful life event (e.g., severe bullying, a relationship ending, death of a family member or friend, significant school difficulties or family conflict). Some mental health conditions are associated with an increased risk of self-harm, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia. It's important to speak to a trained mental health professional to make sure you understand the concerns involved.
What are some warning signs of self-harm?
What are some warning signs of self-harm?
Here are some signs to look for if you are a caring adult in a young person's life:
Unexplained wounds or scars, often on arms, legs, or stomach
Keeping sharp objects on hand
Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather
Wearing large or wide bracelets to cover up their wrists
Spending a lot of time alone, especially in the bathroom or bedroom
Difficulties in relationships with friends or family
Sudden changes in eating habits
Low self-esteem or self-worth
Expressing feelings of failure, worthlessness, or hopelessness
How can I help my child/adolescent or student who is self-harming?
How can I help my child/adolescent or student who is self-harming?
Here are some strategies to help a young person who is self-harming:
Stay calm - Avoid showing shock or anger, as it can increase shame and anxiety in the young person.
Communicate openly - Encourage them to talk about their feelings and triggers.
Don't demand they stop immediately - This can increase stress and lead to more self-harm.
Seek professional help - A mental health expert can provide proper treatment and coping strategies.
Identify triggers - Help them recognize situations or feelings that lead to self-harm.
Teach alternative coping methods - Introduce healthy ways to deal with emotions, like deep breathing or exercise.
Promote self-care - Encourage regular sleep, healthy eating, and exercise.
Reduce stress at home - Create a supportive, low-stress environment.
Build self-esteem - Help them recognize their strengths and achievements.
Be patient - Recovery takes time, with setbacks. Offer consistent support.
Remember, these strategies might be helpful but accessing professional help is essential to ensure the wellbeing of the young person. Always consult with mental health experts, such as psychological services providers or medical professionals when dealing with self-harm in children and adolescents.
Where can I find support for my child or student who is engaging in self-harming behaviours?
Where can I find support for my child or student who is engaging in self-harming behaviours?
If your child is in immediate danger, go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 911.
Kids Help Phone: 24/7 distress line where children and adolescents can call or text.
Self-Injury Outreach and Support : The site includes coping tips, resources, links and videos for those who self-injure, and for friends, family and professionals. SIOS is a collaboration between University of Guelph and McGill University.
support if you are a parent concerned about a child and support if you are concerned about a friend
Your child's school: Speak to an administrator at your child's school and ask for help. Every school has has a Psychological Services professional who is a regulated mental health provider trained to assess, diagnose, consult and provide support to families in need. Here is a link to the Psychological Services Department and information on how referrals for services are made. Every school also has a Social Worker.
Help Ahead is a centralized phone line to access child, youth and family mental health and well-being resources in Toronto 1-866-585-6486
Strides Toronto (eastern part of Toronto) offers community, autism, developmental and mental health support, services and referrals in Toronto’s east end.
Lumenus (western part of Toronto) offers mental health, developmental, autism and early years intervention services to children, youth, families, and individuals across Toronto.
BounceBack Ontario is a free cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that offers guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15 and older. Toll-free: 1-866-345-0224
selfharmUK: A youth-friendly site hosted by Youthscape, a UK charity helping young people 11 to 19 years of age focusing on informing and supporting young people who self-harm. It provides a safe, online space for interactions, as well as information and support for friends and family.
Canadian Mental Health Association- Understanding and Finding Help for Self-Harm
Resources
Resources
Student Self Harm Tip Sheet.pdfSelf-Harm Tip Sheet for Students
For more information and resources, please see:
School Mental Health Ontario: Common student mental health concerns
School Mental Health Ontario: Supporting minds-strategies at a glance
Kids’ mental health is in crisis. Here’s what psychologists are doing to help
References:
References:
Bhatia SK, Bhatia SC. Childhood and adolescent depression. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jan 1;75(1):73-80.
Canadian Institute of Child Health, (2019) “The Health of Canada’s Children and Youth”, Canadian Institute of Child Health. https://cichprofile.ca/module/1/section/3/page/suicide-rates-youth-15-to-19- years-of-age-by-gender.
Coleman, I. & Swanson, S., (2013) “Association between exposure to suicide and suicidality outcomes in youth”, CMAJ May 21, 2013 First published May 21, 2013, doi:10.1503/cmaj.1213 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, (2017) “Mental Health and Well-Being Among Ontario Students”, CAMH. http://www.camhx.ca/Research/OSDUHS_Mental_Health_2017.
David-Ferdon, C., & Kaslow, N. J. (2008). Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatments for Child and Adolescent Depression. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 62–104.
Garber, J. (2006). Depression in children and adolescents: Linking risk research and prevention. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 31(6, Supplement 1), 104-125.
Gaynes, B. N. (2013). Pediatric depression: An evidence-based update on treatment interventions. Psychiatry in Primary Care, 15, Article 381.
Griffin, E., McMahon, E., McNicholas, F. et al. Increasing rates of self-harm among children, adolescents and young adults: a 10-year national registry study 2007–2016. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 53, 663–671 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1522-1.
Hidalgo, M. A., Ehrenstaft, D., Tishelman, A. C., Clark, L. F., Gorofalo, R., Olson, J., Rosenthal, S.M., Spack, N.P., (2013), The Gender Affirmative Model: What We Know and What We Aim to Learn, Human Development; 56:285–290 DOI: 10.1159/000355235.
Hoagwood, K., Burns, B. J., Kiser, L., Ringeisen, H., & Schoenwald, S. K. (2001). Evidence-based practices in child and adolescent mental health services. Psychiatric Services, 52(9), 1179-1189.
Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (Author). (2024, August). 2023 OSDUHS Drug Use Report - Summary. Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/-/media/research-files/osduhs-summary-drug-use-report_2023.pdf
Saewyc, E., (2007) “Contested Conclusions: Claims that Can and Cannot be Made from the Current Research on Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Teen Suicide Attempts”, Journal of LGBT Health Research 3 (1): 79-87.
"Self-Injury–A guide for those who self-injure." Self-Injury and Self Report (2018, August 31), https://sioutreach.org/learn-self-injury/if-you-self-injure/#ffs-tabbed-14. Accessed 21 August 2024.
School Mental Health Ontario. (2020, September). Prepare; Prevent; Respond: A Suicide Prevention Guide for Parents and Families During COVID-19 and Return to School. Retrieved from https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Prepare_Prevent_Respond_Web.pdf.
Toronto District School Board. (2023, September 20). Life Promotion, Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Protocol for School Staff. Toronto, Ontario: Author.
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