THERE are growing concerns about the rising self-harm rates among young people in Berkshire.

Mental health specialists that work with children say demand for crisis and eating disorder services increased in Reading, Wokingham, and West Berkshire during the first coronavirus lockdown.

Self-harm rates among people in those areas, who are between the ages of 10 and 24, continue to increase, according to Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

“Young people already experiencing any mental health challenges will have been pushed to crisis point more quickly as they haven’t been being able to focus on any of their usual activities,” said Carly Newman, who works for the counselling service No5 Young People.

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“Self-harm and disordered eating can become prevalent, especially in young people, when they feel highly anxious, as though they have no control over their situation and when they struggle to manage their emotions.

“In a situation where there is fear and a lack of control all around them, young people can be driven to try to find a sense of control in their lives and in many cases this leads to self-harm and disordered eating.

“Although young people will be remaining in school during this second lockdown, they are already experiencing additional academic pressure and this, along with the anxiety of the pandemic, may mean that many young people are still pushed to crisis.”

The average rate for self-harm hospital admissions for 10 to 24 year olds in England stands at 444 admissions per 100,000 people.

But in October 2019, it was revealed that Reading (517.7), Wokingham (529.3) and West Berkshire (483.9) have all recorded higher admission rates.

Berkshire West CCG has also said there is “significant concern” about 15 to 19 years olds.

That’s because self-harm rates for 15 to 19 year olds in all three areas have been higher than the national average since 2016.

Being scared together is better than being scared alone

Ms Newman said: “It is difficult to know for certain why self-harm rates in Berkshire West are higher than the national average.

“What we do know is that seeing young people at the earliest opportunity following the onset of their mental health difficulty helps to prevent them coming to crisis point.

“We need to increase the provision of services that young people can access when they are experiencing more ‘mild’ symptoms, as well as mental health education in schools that focuses on helping young people to understand what is normal and when they may need to seek additional support.”

She added: “It can be very frightening and disturbing for family members and friends to know someone who is struggling, especially if they are self-harming.

“Young people tell us that it is better to be told that it is ok to be scared and that being scared together is better than being scared alone.

“On a practical level, helping them to treat any physical wounds is crucial for their health and wellbeing, whilst also helping them to practise self-care.

“Ultimately, taking the shame out of self-harming is vital in helping a young person feel supported.

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“They are likely to hide, cover up, withdraw and express anger or anxiety about food, mealtimes, eating in front of people or discussing self-harm.

“However, remaining calm and not fighting their anger and anxiety shows young people that it is ok for them to feel how they are feeling and that you can, and will, seek support together.”

West Berkshire CCG says 26,840 children have were assessed by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) in 2019.

More than 60 per cent of those children have been provided with Tier 1 support, which is not delivered by a trained mental health specialist, because they do not have a complex or severe condition.

But 95 children (including 38 in Reading and 30 in Wokingham) needed Tier 4 support, because they suffered with the most severe mental health conditions.

In response to growing demand, Berkshire West CCG has published local transformation plan for CAHMS, which sets out seven priorities.

These include expanding mental health support teams, cutting waiting times and responding quickly and effectively to help children with eating disorders.

Making further improvements to the 24/7 urgent care and crisis service is another priority.

Anyone between the age of 11 and 25, who lives or studies in the RG postcode area, can phone No5’s free and confidential counselling service on 0118 901 5668.
They can also test TALK and their name and postcode to 07786202430.