Self-harm On The Rise: More Youngsters Hurt Themselves When Stressed

Many children have been hospitalized in 2018 for hurting themselves. The rising number of cases of self-harm among stressed youngsters started to alarm authorities. Children as young as four years old learned to hurt themselves, a trend which is not very promising.

As per the data of NHS, baffling statistics were gathered. A total of 114,091 of self-harm were recorded. The age group between 15 to 19 years old had the most cases at 20,611. Following this group was the 10 to 14 year-olds, where 7,457 cases were reported. What’s bothersome was that those aged 5 to 9 years old had 110 cases, and as young as 4 years old and below had 66 cases.

According to child mental specialists, youngsters today struggle with stress. They’re also suffering from anxiety and depression because of three factors. These are low self-esteem, social media, and exam pressure. The first time that they needed help, they don’t get it. During the intervening time, such as waiting for treatment, the stress and depression get worse.

One study made by the government focused on three cases of children aged five needed to be admitted to the hospital. The reason was baffling, considering that they hanged themselves. While the reason behind this could not be determined, as pointed out by Tom Madders from the YoungMinds charity, it was somehow concluded that young people and children today face a lot of pressures.

According to Madders, childhood experiences like neglect and abuse can have an overwhelming impact on mental health. Many sides need to be considered. Social media contributes to problems like body image or bullying. School pressures youngsters on getting high exam results.

Madders suggested that the government must “make early intervention a priority.” This will ensure that people will receive help long before “they reach a crisis point.”

One faculty from the Royal College of Psychiatrists said that behavioral problems in children and toddlers like autism and ADHD often lead to self-harm. The cases, as per Dr. Bernadka Dubicka, are being documented.

With the proper documentation and analysis of these cases, the government would be able to understand how to help these children. The rising number of self-harm among these youngsters is something that must not be neglected.