A FORMER self-harmer has issued pleas for sufferers to seek help after statistics revealed the number of hospital admissions from teenagers self-harming in Dorset have almost doubled in the last three years.

According to statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSIC), the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) saw 173 admissions with an ‘external cause code of self-harm’ from girls aged 15 to 19 in 2011-2012, and 42 admissions from boys of the same age bracket.

In 2013-2014 this figure rose to 253 admissions from girls aged 15 to 19, and 61 admissions from boys the same age.

Further provisional figures for 2014-2015 paint a worrying picture for the county, together with concerns that the age of children and teenagers self-harming is getting younger.

Weymouth resident Stuart Skinner, who self-harmed from the age of 18 to 23, is now urging others to seek help and encourage them not to suffer in silence.

From girls aged 10 to 14, the Dorset CCG received 51 hospital admissions in 2011-2012, and less than five admissions from boys the same age.

These rose to 93 admissions from girls aged 10 to 14 in 2013-2014, with 12 admissions from boys of the same age bracket.

A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider.

Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period.

The Dorset CCG is formed of all 100 GP practices in the county.

Dr Karen Kirkham, assistant clinical chairwoman at Dorset CCG said: “Self-harm can take a number of different forms and, despite being most common amongst younger people, it can affect people of all ages.

“If you are self-harming or you believe a friend or family member is doing so then you should talk about it, and seek support from those you trust.

“This may be a teacher or your doctor who may contact other services to help you.

“It is important to know that you are not alone and by seeking help you can get the necessary support, to understand what triggers to look out for and how to prevent this in the future.”

If you have concerns that a young person you care about may be harming themselves, seek advice immediately from your GP.

Information and advice on self harming can be found at nhs.uk/Livewell/youth-mental-health/

Support is available, says charity director

“YOUNG people should not feel that they have to suffer in silence” – that’s the advice from Claude Knights, chief executive at Kidscape.

Kidscape is a charity that works to prevent bullying and protect children across the UK.

Mrs Knights said: “There is much support available to help young people recover and to rebuild their confidence and self-esteem.

“There are lots of reasons why young people attempt to hurt themselves and the need to do so can become compulsive.

“It is often a way for them to release overwhelming emotions and it can become a coping mechanism.

“Whether or not to tell someone about this build up of pain and anxiety can be a worrying decision, but telling shows courage and strength, can lead to a huge relief and begin the process of recovery.”

Mrs Knight said many young people who have found help say that having someone to listen to them has been the most useful and positive way forward.

She added: “Counselling or other types of talking therapies have been found to be very helpful.

“There are a number of self-help groups that give excellent support and an opportunity to meet others who are going through similar experiences.
 
“GPs, community nurses or a local Citizen Advice Bureau often have contact details for such support groups.”

Kidscape recommends the following websites for more information and support on self-harming:
• youthnet.org
• lifesigns.org.uk
• childline.org.uk
• selfharm.org.uk
• youngminds.org.uk

"Don't go it alone; there is light at the end of the tunnel"

A WEYMOUTH man who self-harmed during his teenage years is stressing to Dorset’s teenagers that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Stuart, a former Wey Valley School and Weymouth College student, is now 35 and although his self-harming is well in the past Stuart is urging teenagers going through the same issues to seek help.

He told the Echo: “I would urge young people to utilise the internet; there is a lot of advice about self-harming available online these days and if teenagers do not want to talk to anybody about their problems then searching the internet for advice is another option.

“Aside from that GPs are also able to offer support and advice and it’s important that young people talk their problems through with someone.”

Stuart is warning that help is available and that young people should not go it alone.

He said: “The best advice I was ever given is that there is light at the end of the tunnel – you might not be able to see it but it is always there.

“The more you talk about self-harming the more you see that others are facing the same problem and it is good to talk about it.

“Talking about your worries and spreading the word about where to get help for self-harm can only be a good thing.”