Self-harm rising among teenage girls

It is trending upwards somewhat, but the reasons are complicated. People tend to focus on the lack of mental health services. This is an issue, yes, they are horribly stretched. But we should not lose site that mental health services treat those who need help, they cannot easily work with the reasons why problems arise.

Firstly, yes, it would seem people are more likely to seek help if they, or someone they know, is unwell. That is a good thing and may partly explain why numbers are trending upwards. But I don't think it is the whole answer. Young people are under considerable levels of stress, at school, socially and at home. It seems to affect girls more than boys, or at least the consequences are more apparent in girls (e.g. self-harm).

What I am concerned about is the narrative that mental health needs more resources. Yes, this would help and would be welcome. But it also presumes that referral into mental health services is the solution. We need to also think about systemic features that give rise to this in the first place and how institutions such as schools, etc., can do more to both prevent health issues emerging and help young people seek help early and before reaching the point where psychiatrists and mental health nurses are needed.

Some of the schemes I have seen seem to work very well. Some schools do not want to know - they want these kids shunted into the hands of professionals. However, some schools have internal systems that mean early signs of anxiety and depression are handled with a bit more sensitivity, allow young people to chat, either with a trained teacher or other school children. Causes can be identified and in many cases simple adjustments (a bit of exta help with homework, tackle bullying, etc.) can stop things getting worse. So I hope this continues and destigmatising mental health will help make local proactive options more acceptable and accessible.

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