Navigating Self-Harm in Youth

Building on last week’s post about suicidal thoughts in teens https://www.mindfulhealingjourney.ca/1-minute-help/supporting-your-teen-to-cope-with-suicidal-thoughts#/. Self-harm is also prevalent among youth, and the rates of female youth engaging in self-harm in Canada have risen alarmingly in the past decade. Self-harm is often seen as one in the same with suicidal ideations, however that is not the case. Self-harm can lead to suicidal ideations, and a person can use self-harm to cope with existing suicidal thoughts, but youth can also experience self-harm without having an suicidal thoughts and vice versa. Self-harm has often been explained as a way to externally feel pain to numb deep internal pain. It is often used as relief or release of emotions. It is important to know with the right resources and support youth can overcome their urges to self-harm and find alternate methods of coping. Please find below some important considerations.

1. The Right Support. Registered Psychotherapists and Psychologists are trained to work with individuals struggling with self-harm and suicidal ideations. There are various sites to find professionals in your area including https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca,  https://www.therapytribe.com/ and https://affordabletherapynetwork.com/. It is important your youth is involved in the process as the therapy relationship is important in recovery process, here is an article from Psychology Today about what to ask when searching for the right therapist.
2. Resources. Once you find the right therapist it is important to have options for support outside of office hours. These may include the Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 which is available 24/7 via phone or text for ages 5 to 25, and Good2Talk 1-866-925-5454 for youth attending post-secondary education. Two other great resources are: 1. CMHA’s suicide prevention tool-kit, and 2. Mind-your-mind website and various articles including information about what is self-harm, signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment.
3. Develop a safety plan. Similar to suicidal thoughts it is important to have a safety plan for self-harming behaviour. It is important for your youth to be aware of their triggers, supports available, and alternate ways of coping. Here is a handout of a safety plan specific to self-harm.
4. Journey Together. One of keys to your youth being successful in recovery, is your support. Providing a listening ear and a non-judgemental space is invaluable to your youth. Trust your intuition, and reach out for your own support if you need it.

I have helped many teens overcome self-harm and find alternate methods of coping. Let’s get started…book your complimentary initial consult today https://oab.owlpractice.ca/mindfulhealingjourney/booking