Study shows that self-harming behavior is growing

Research by Data for England found that hospital admissions from self-injury have grown by 11 percent since 2006, reports The Independent.

The study revealed that almost 10,000 individuals were admitted for self-harm in 2009, which represents a 3 percent rise in last year’s numbers. Researchers told the news source the increase of self-poisoning cases is due to the growing abuse of prescription drugs. Furthermore, embedding metal, wooden or plastic objects under the skin accounted for nearly 8,000 cases during the year.

This type of behavior was found more frequently in girls than boys and occurred more often during the winter months.

Programs for troubled teens can help individuals who suffer from self-harming behavior by offering an environment that can produce positive behavioral results.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that adolescents who have difficulty talking about their feelings may show their emotional tension, physical discomfort, pain and low self-esteem with self-injurious behaviors. Teens who exhibit this behavior say that self-harm acts as a form of relief of stress.