INFORMS IPEBC ON THE CAUSES WHY YOUNG PEOPLE MAY COME TO SELF-HAMMER

It is necessary to attend with psychological therapy that is focused on analyzing the family and school environment and, in case of suffering from depression or some other psychopathology, receive pharmacological treatment

Emotional disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress or obsessive-compulsive can trigger self-injurious behavior among 40% of adolescents, especially in women between 10 and 15 years of age; This was reported by the general director of the Institute of Psychiatry of the State of Baja California (IPEBC), Víctor Salvador Rico Hernández.

In this regard, the official emphasized that self-injurious behavior is a mechanism to regulate emotions such as anger, fear or to reduce the pain that is experienced and cannot be expressed; Therefore, young people cut off parts of their bodies or remove the scabs from their wounds.

He explained that the symptoms that should alert parents, as well as their caregivers, are sadness, irritability, negativism, reluctance to carry out activities, lack of interest in personal hygiene, an increase or decrease in appetite , low self-esteem and ideas of guilt and increased sleep.

Due to its emotional origin, he said, it is necessary to treat with psychological therapy that is focused on analyzing the family and school environment and, in case of suffering from depression or some other psychopathology, receive pharmacological treatment; which is offered at IPEBC free of charge, by going to the nearest health center and requesting a referral form from the institution.

Lastly, Rico Hernández offered the support telephone numbers for adolescents on the Life Line at 800 911 2000, with 24-hour service, and reminded parents of the IPEBC telephone numbers in Mexicali at (686) 842 7050, in Tijuana at (664) 684 2664, and at (646) 178 8577 in Ensenada or in the official profile of the Institute of Psychiatry of the State of Baja California to receive guidance on services.