Self Harm – ‘A growing trend among Youth’

A recent article in the Sunday Observer, (July 1^st in fact) written by   Nilma Dole, highlighted a problem, I have also noticed and was wondering about, and now it seems to make sense.

In addition to smoking, alcoholism and drug abuse, hitting or cutting oneself are all various degrees of self harm. It is the latter two I wish to highlight, as we are well aware of the former issues, which have been mentioned in this blog in earlier essays.

Apparently boys are more likely to hit themselves and women cut themselves. They are part of a system of externalizing of internal or mental pain they may suffer from. The best way to get to grips is first to identify there is a problem and try to find its root cause.

The parents are usually the last to acknowledge a problem, as they cannot believe their offspring can resort to such activity. However in Sri Lanka we appear to be very weak in reading depression and mental illness, and so are unable to see the external signs of this problem. Even worse, if parents go with their offspring to see a doctor, they usually insist on being present with the doctor, a wholly counterproductive exercise.

It is important that the consultation is done on a one on one basis with a medical practitioner, well versed enough in knowing what to do and who to recommend they see as a specialist. Parents usually are adamant it is not something that the specialist identifies as a problem, either because they themselves are in denial, or are also aware that they are partially to blame for this condition.

Often this problem can arise out of a feeling of low self esteem that can be caused by abuse, physical or sexual, either in the home or in school, that is internalized. Only a good counselor can get it out of the young person, before something is done about it. Many young people are embarrassed to be open about it or admit to the problem. Once identified, a good medical practitioner will be able to determine the mix of drugs and counseling that is required to hopefully cure the patient out of the problem. It is most important that the young person seek the guidance of someone they can completely trust. We must open up the communication links for young people to address their personal issues so they do not go in this direction.