Qatar- Stress leads to self harm among teens

(MENAFN- The Peninsula)

DOHA: Incidence of suicide in Qatar and the region in general is significantly lower than that in many countries though self-harming behaviour is common among adolescents and young adults here particularly among those between 16 and early 20s according to a study by the Hamad General Hospital (HMC).

Initial findings and data from the study is still in the process of being analysed according to Dr Suhaila Ghuloum Senior Consultant at HMC’s Psychiatry Department.

On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) sought to promote better understanding of suicide and self-harming behaviour and highlighted the importance of seeking psychological support for people who are dealing with stress or mental illness.

“Young people of this age group (from 16 to early 20s) who commit self-harm are almost always under severe stress. While they often have no intention of actually committing suicide many resort to self-cutting (inflicting wounds on themselves) as this gives them immediate relief. It is a way for them to shift the tension from a psychological to a physical one which is easier for them to deal with. For some it is also a way of getting other people to listen to them” Dr Ghuloum said.

Common stressors that can induce self-harm among teenagers include social or school stressors such as the breakdown of a relationship the stress of examinations or their school performance in general. While people learn better ways of coping with stress as they mature adolescents often do not have the same coping mechanisms and may also be unable to communicate their frustrations with their parents siblings or friends. There is also an element of learned behaviour or modeling among teenagers who may have heard of or seen others resorting to self-harm.

Changes in personality can often provide clues to a person’s mental state. Someone who is depressed may not be as social as before may not enjoy the same things that he or she used to enjoy and his or her performance at school or work may be declining. Dr Ghuloum stressed it is important to talk to the person and try to address the issue with them and see if they need help getting referred to a specialist.

Contrary to a common belief that suicide is a sign of weakness or lack of faith in the majority of cases it is not a deliberate act but is the result of mental illness such as severe depression or anxiety that impairs the judgment of the person according to Dr Ghuloum.

The psychiatry expert pointed out that a mental illness such as depression is just like any other illness which has biological causes and that it can be treated. She encouraged people to seek professional help not necessarily from a psychiatrist but also from a counselor or a psychologist when their mental state starts affecting their functioning including their ability to socialise work study or perform other activities of daily life. Support groups can also help one feel less isolated.

Dr Ghuloum also highlighted the need for all sectors including government social services and educational institutions to do their part to promote better awareness and provide support for those at risk such as teaching coping skills to help students deal effectively with stress training teachers to recognise students who may have mental health problems such as depression and measures to reduce work-related stress.