Self-aggression and self-harm is a problem that affects many people to many different people. Although we are often unaware of it, because the patient hides his disorders, careful observation can help us prevent a tragedy. If you suspect a child or teenager you know may be having auto-aggression, act quickly! Your reaction can be crucial!
Autoaggression - what is it?
Self-aggression in children is a complex psychological problem that can have very dire consequences. It is nothing but a set of behaviors aimed at harming yourself mentally or physically. One of the most common manifestations of self-harm is self-harm. However, self-harming behavior may also not draw attention to itself at first glance. Excessive physical exertion is a good example here.
Types of self-aggression in children
Auto-aggressive behavior in children and adolescents is usually direct, i.e. the sick person harms himself, harms himself or depreciates his body. He may, for example, hurt himself, burn himself, break his bones or simply tell himself that he has no value.
However, autoimmunity in children is not always overt. The youngest often camouflage their problems well, which makes it difficult to help them. If a child or teenager struggles with indirect self-harm, his behavior may provoke others to direct aggression towards him. This means that if the child is so-called scapegoat and others take it out a lot, the problem does not really have to be with the perpetrators, but with the victim.
Causes of self-aggression in children
One of the most common causes of self-harm among the youngest is emotional problems. Their background can be very different, often not obvious. By inflicting pain on themselves, the sick run away from the source of the problem and distract from the psychological difficulties they are struggling with.
Self-harm and self-harm may indicate problems in the home. If a child is a victim of abuse, such as being beaten or abused, they may try to manifest their suffering in this way to get attention.
However, self-harming behavior is not always a sign of problems in the home. It often happens that sick children come from good homes where they are cared for on a daily basis. Autoaggression may be a manifestation of another serious illness. Children with childhood depression, schizophrenia and autism often struggle with it, so careful observation of the behavior of the youngest and quick reaction are key in recognizing the real source of the problem.
Treatment of autoaggression in children and adolescents
If your child, or one you know, has problems with self-harm, it is crucial to react as quickly as possible. Children are usually much more susceptible to therapy, so seeing a specialist as soon as a problem occurs can significantly speed up treatment.
Self-harm should not be the only reason to enroll your child in a psychologist. If the youngest hurts himself in a different way – starving, swallowing sharp objects or being a victim of aggression among peers, psychological consultation is the first step in returning to normalcy.
What does a visit to a child psychologist look like?
Contrary to what you may think, visiting a psychologist with a child is nothing terrible and you should definitely not be ashamed. During the first meeting, the psychologist will conduct a thorough interview with you and your child, which will allow him to propose an appropriate form of therapy.
Remember that a child psychologist does not judge, but wants to help your child overcome their problems. Always answer his questions truthfully and follow all his instructions. In addition to visiting a specialist, you will also need to work from home. During the meetings, the therapist will tell you how to deal with the child to give him adequate support.
Self-harm and self-harm in children and adolescents are problems that many students struggle with. Pandemic, distance learning, quarantine and reduced contact with peers are increasingly becoming one of the causes. Your child has recently changed its behavior and you are noticing suspicious symptoms? Don’t wait – act!
