Self Mutilation

Self Mutialtion is the entanglement of a Secret Circle of Violence.It is the beginning of a ritual of cutting, disinfecting and bandaging - so it would remain a secret. It is increasing among teenagers at every level of society. It has been said that this bizarre practice has almost achieve Cult-Status, especially among 13 - 17 year olds

REASONS FOR SELF-MUTILATION

As social problems in our society continue to grow, it looks as if more and more teenagers are resorting to the 'blade'

Children no longer have the support they used to have

Self Mutilation is just another symptom of a teenager in need and looking for a safety valve for emotional pain and stress.It has an addictive element, because it brings immediate relief

Sufferers usually have a poor self-image and come from homes where there is tension & bad communication.For them it is an instant way of feeling better

Some choose to burn themselves with cigarettes or matches.They are mostly victims of incest who want to give expression to their intense emotions

Youngsters who cut themself so deeply that they require stitches, detest their own bodies often because of guilt feelings caused by sexual molestation

PROGNOSIS

The lighter the wounds young sufferers inflict on themselves, and the quicker they're stopped, the better they react to treatment.The more entrenched the habit becomes, the worse the prognosis

Experts in the field believe that 1% op the population struggles with this problem.American research shows about 1/3 of Eating Disorder Sufferers, also have a history of self-mutilation. Like Anorexia or Bulimia,it gives sufferers a sense of control In South Africa, counsellors are finding more and more teenagers are coming forward with the problem.Four out of five sufferers are girls, but these figures could just reflect the fact that girls are more prepared to seek help than boys

TOWARDS HEALING

THE FIRST STEPS

The sufferers must to taught to Identify their Emotions

Then for them to stand back and think of another way to handle the situation

This behavioural therapy has a 90% success rate, but in cases where serious stress factors are the cause - the prognosis is poor

SOLUTIONS FOR PARENTS

If parents suspect that their children are cutting themselves

1. Get Professional Help - contact S.A.Depression & Anxiety Group

South African Support Groups The Power of Prayer

2. Also talk to the child in a non-threatening manner

Say 'I can see you are not coping.Is there any way in which I can help you?'

3. Talk to the child's Class.These teachers observe your child's interacting with friends and are often the first to detect a problem

SELF MUTILATORS

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

They wear long pants and long sleeves even in warm weather.This is to hide the cutmark and scars

Their sleep & eating patterns change

They no longer pay attention to their appearnace

Their personal hygiene deteriorates

They no longer take part in sport and withdraw socially

Their schoolmarks drops

They have scratch / burn marks on their bodies

info source: You Magazine 2005