Adolescence, a period of profound emotional and social change, often brings significant psychological challenges. Among thes challenges,social isolation and self-injury are particularly concerning. Self-injury, defined as harming oneself without suicidal intent, is frequently an attempt to cope with deep internal distress, including depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Statistics paint a stark picture. Approximately 14% of adolescents have engaged in self-injury at least once in their lives. This behavior is not merely an isolated incident but a reflection of profound suffering that significantly diminishes a young person’s quality of life.

The Impact of Self-Injury on Adolescent Lives

Self-injury can have far-reaching consequences, affecting various aspects of a teenager’s life. these include:

• Self-Esteem: It can erode self-worth and confidence.
• Interpersonal Relationships: It can strain relationships with family and friends.
• School Performance: It can lead to decreased academic achievement.
• Increased Suicide Risk: It elevates the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and attempts.

These factors combine to make adolescent mental health a growing global concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, symptoms of depression increased by 26%, and anxiety grew by about 10% among young people up to age 19. in Brazil, cases of self-injury among young people rose by 21% between 2011 and 2022, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

Why Young People Turn to self-Injury

A 2018 study by psychologist Luiza Cesar Riani Costa explored the reasons behind non-suicidal self-injury. The findings revealed that adolescents often view self-injury as a means of alleviating emotional suffering. This highlights the critical importance of creating a supportive and understanding environment to address psychic pain.

Adolescents saw self -injury as a way of relieving emotional suffering.
Luiza Cesar Riani Costa, Psychologist

The rise of social media challenges encouraging self-harm has further contributed to the problem, leading to an increase in cases, particularly in schools, where educators are becoming increasingly aware of the issue’s severity.

The Double-Edged sword of Social Media

Social media’s role in adolescent mental health is complex. While it can provide support and connection, it can also fuel anxiety and depression. half of all adolescents report that social media negatively impacts their mental well-being.

Harmful challenges and trends circulating online can promote perilous behaviors,including self-injury. This underscores the need for young people to approach these platforms with caution and critical thinking.

Healthy Strategies for Emotional Relief

to help adolescents discover healthy alternatives for managing emotional pain, Costa’s research employed the photovoice methodology. This technique allows participants to express their experiences through photographs, fostering deeper reflection on their emotions.

the images captured by adolescents included scenes of nature, moments with pets, physical activities, cooking, arts, and spirituality. These elements emphasize the importance of:

• Affective relationships
• Family support
• Artistic expression

…as sources of emotional relief.

Education’s Role in Promoting Mental Health

The booklet “what Relieves My Pain: Photos and Teenage Experiences” was developed as an educational and therapeutic resource. Available in both Portuguese and English, it aims to guide teenagers toward healthy coping mechanisms for emotional suffering.

Written in accessible language tailored to adolescents, the booklet is a valuable tool for educators and health professionals, offering a creative and empathetic approach to addressing self-injury and promoting mental well-being.

Resources for Teenagers in Distress

The booklet is accessible in the UFSCar institutional repository and can be consulted online. It is also crucial for parents, educators, and health professionals to recognize the signs of emotional distress in adolescents and provide appropriate support.

For more information and access to the booklet, visit the UFSCar Institutional Repository.

Remember, seeking professional medical help is essential for clarification and ongoing support in cases of emotional suffering and self-injury. Professional intervention can significantly improve the lives of young people facing these challenges.