Adolescent Mental Health: Understanding Self-Harm and Seeking Solutions

Adolescence is a critical phase of development, marked by intense emotional and social transformation. However, many young people face significant psychological challenges, including social isolation, self-harm, and mental illness. In fact, it is estimated that one in seven adolescents suffers from a mental illness, with half of these cases beginning before the age of 14. Self-harm, in particular, is a growing concern, with 14% of adolescents having engaged in this behavior at least once in their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, with symptoms of depression increasing by 26% and anxiety by 10% among young people up to age 19.

Key Takeaways:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety among young people, with 26% and 10% increases, respectively.
• Self-harm is a common issue among adolescents, with 14% having engaged in this behavior at least once in their lives.
• A study in Brazil found that the number of self-harm cases among young people increased by 21% between 2011 and 2022.
• The Photovoice methodology was used in a qualitative research project to explore the meaning of non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents.
• The study found that adolescents viewed self-harm as a means of alleviating emotional suffering and that a welcoming environment was essential to cope with psychological pain.
• The research findings were transformed into a booklet, "What relieves my pain: photos and experiences of adolescents," which has been made available digitally to schools, health services, and professionals working with adolescents.
• The booklet showcases photographs taken by adolescents to depict scenes that alleviate their pain and suffering, highlighting the importance of emotional relationships, family, and creative expression.
• The publication has the potential to be an important, low-cost, therapeutic, and educational tool in addressing self-harm among adolescents.

Statistics:

• 26% increase in symptoms of depression among young people up to age 19 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 10% increase in symptoms of anxiety among young people up to age 19 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 21% increase in self-harm cases among young people in Brazil between 2011 and 2022.
• 14% of adolescents have engaged in self-harm at least once in their lives.

Sources:

• FAPESP-funded study on non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents
• New Trends in Qualitative Research
• 15th Ibero-American Congress of Qualitative Research (CIAIQ2025)
• "What relieves my pain: photos and experiences of adolescents" booklet
• "Brazilian Journal of Psychology" article on self-harm among adolescents