Social workers see rise in number of teenagers who
self-mutilate
SINGAPORE : A small but increasing number of teenagers are
turning to self-mutilation to deal with their problems, according
to social workers at a workshop on Tuesday.
Knives, lighters and pens are just some of the objects that
teenagers use to hurt themselves.
Half of the 35 social workers present at the workshop are working
with clients who self-mutilate.
The Hougang branch of the Student Care Services dealt with 11 such
cases last year.
Wu Mei Ling, centre director, Student Care Services, Hougang
Branch, said: "The emotional pain sometimes can be so excruciating
that some of the teenagers share with us that they need to mutilate
to externalise it."
Coping with divorce, low self esteem and relationship problems with
friends and family are some of the reasons why teenagers
self-mutilate.
Social workers also said that more girls than boys tend to
self-mutilate because female teenagers tend to be more emotional
when dealing with these issues.
Experts said that such acts are attempts by teenagers to
communicate, and for each person who comes forward to seek help,
there are many more who do not.
Kylie Peters, counsellor, Melbourne Institute of Creative Art
Therapy, said: "Often self-harm is a topic that is not talked
about, it is sort of very difficult.
"And that can actually impact on young people that are self-harming
because they feel that they cannot discuss it either - it is very
hard for them. So I suppose an opening of the conversation is
really important."
Countries like the US and Australia have also reported an over 40
per cent increase in teenage self-mutilation in the last
decade.
Hence, therapists are turning to more creative methods, such as art
therapy, to help teenagers deal with their issues. -
CNA/ms