Suicides and self-harm: There are more cases in Prague, especially among teenagers
The source of Blesk from Prague pathology described that In a single week in February, there were seven suicides under the age of 18. In addition, the unfortunates had older, already healed on their bodies wounds after self-harm. Experts, the main work includes from time to time even such cases, talking about a very high number. What is happening to the mental health of the young generation? About it with Blesk psychiatrist Michal Goetz.
From your practice, do you think that cases of suicide and self-harm are increasing among teenagers?
“Unfortunately, yes, both unfinished and especially completed suicides. And more and more children and adolescents who have suicidal thoughts. This is an unprecedented and extremely serious situation that needs to be addressed at government level. The mental health of children and adolescents has never been more at risk than in the last few decades. At the same time, however, the capacity for care is decreasing. This is a real state of emergency. “
What is the reason?
“It is an interaction of high psychological burden resulting from the reduction caused by pandemics, sharing negative emotions on social networks and the unavailability of intensive pedopsychiatric and psychological care. The ambulance and wards are completely overloaded due to small capacity. The funding is set up in such a way that inpatient pediatric wards and hospitals cannot survive economically and personally if they want to provide the highest quality care. ”
How to solve this situation?
“The current government needs to make the development of mental health care for children and adolescents a top priority, and the crisis has been a major lesson from the pandemic. It is also necessary that the founders, ie the Ministry of Health and the region, financially and organizationally stabilize the existing pedopsychiatric medical facilities and initiate the creation of new ones. Local service networks with sufficient capacity must be set up in the regions. “
What could the wounds of self-harm on the bodies of teenagers who have ended their lives tell us?
“Most suicide attempts are based on long-term mental health problems. Sebepoško is one of the manifestations of the current generation of teenagers who think they are not doing well mentally. “
What happens to it?
“Self-harm is the intentional infliction of physical injuries, or just pain in oneself. Some adolescents say they are hurting themselves because it distracts them from severe emotional pain, conflicting emotions and inner tension. Others state that they feel numb or empty, and self-harm helps them feel something. Many adolescents try to keep it a secret, for others it may be a way to ask for help. The most common form is cutting or scraping the skin, but some also damage themselves by burning, digging in the wounds or beating various parts of the body. Self-harm is more common in girls than in boys and often occurs during puberty. ”
Do you have advice for parents who feel that their teenager is harming himself?
“Self-harm is a second behavior that is very difficult for parents to penetrate and empathize with. At the same time, it is not something that a child or adolescent can just stop at the request of parents or a ban. It is first necessary to understand what the person is going through and what place the self-harm has in his life. What I replace or bring with it. The impulse in adolescents almost always triggers a certain event in their lives. “
What can be the impulse?
“The most common trigger is a feeling of rejection, whether by a friend, close friends or general feelings of alienation or criticism. These are often very distressing feelings, deeper causes need to be sought and addressed together with an expert. We encourage parents to work with their children on how to respect and respect their bodies. ”
What advice would you give to those who already practice self-harm?
“Useful ways for teens to avoid self-harm include learning to recognize and name their feelings and talk about them. Or divert attention from thoughts of self-harm, such as counting to ten, wait 15 minutes, say no! or Stop !, practice breathing exercises, write a diary, draw, use ice instead of a sharp object, and so on. For a long time, work on developing social skills and coping with stress. However, they reiterate that self-harm is a serious manifestation of mental health problems that require professional care. “
Doc. Lectured by MUDr. Michal Goetz, Ph.D.
The child psychiatrist, in addition to the diagnostic department at the Department of Child Psychiatry, University Hospital Motol in Prague, is now the director of the Children’s Psychiatric Hospital in Opařany. He is one of the leading experts in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.
Suicides among young people are on the rise. What is happening to the mental health of the young generation? About it with Blesk psychiatrist Michal Goetz
Author: 2 Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
Safety line: Up to 118% increase!
The topic of suicide is the most common with which children and adolescents turn to the Safety Line. According to the organization, the topic of suicide was addressed by calling statistics in the first year by 35% more than in the previous year, and even by 18% more than in 2018. The increase in self-harm is even more pronounced, by 79% in 2021 compared to 2020 , and even by 218% compared to 2018.
The non-profit organization also operates Parent line, where the increase was also reflected. “We have seen a significant increase in the number of mental health problems in children by 66%. Our parents most often dealed with anxieties, depression and suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents, “said Kateřina Schmidová, head of the Parents’ Line.
Where to look for help?
Do you have suffering or are you going through a difficult life situation and do not know what to do next? You can always turn to experts to help you. It is also by phone, non-stop and free.
Helpline: 116 111 (for children and young people up to 26 years)
Family and school line: 116 000 (adult assistance for children)
First aid linealso: 116 123 (cross aid for adults)
Further contacts can be found at: www.opatruj.se
How to help a loved one?
How to respondwhen someone around you indicates they are considering suicide? Many people do not know what to say in such a situation, they do not know what to say so that they do not make matters worse. Experts advise to ask sensitive but direct questions. For example, “How do you handle what’s happening to you now?” Or, “Do you ever think about hurting yourself?” Being able to talk about your feelings can help. If someone has attempted suicide, do not leave them alone and call the emergency number 155 or 112 immediately..
The man in Bubeneč threatened to jump from the fifth floor. (March 6, 2022)
Author: Blesk: David Malík – CNCenter AS