{"id":45869,"date":"2025-10-23T16:33:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eimediacion.edu.es\/?p=45869"},"modified":"2025-11-06T09:35:18","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T08:35:18","slug":"autolesiones-conducta-suicida-adolescentes-mediacion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eimediacion.edu.es\/eng\/noticias-eim-menores\/autolesiones-conducta-suicida-adolescentes-mediacion\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-harm and suicidal behavior in adolescents: signs, detection, and response through mediation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The self-harm<\/strong> and the suicidal behaviors<\/strong> in adolescence they are a sign of suffering<\/strong> and one request for help<\/strong> that we cannot ignore. Behind a cut, a burn or impulsive behavior there is usually intense emotional pain<\/strong> and difficulties for regular<\/strong> either express<\/strong> what it feels like.
In this guide we explain what are they<\/strong>, how to detect them in time<\/strong> and what interventions work<\/strong>, with specific guidelines for educational centers, psychosocial services and mediation teams<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we mean by self-harm and suicidal behavior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Self-harm (NSSI)<\/strong>: deliberate damage to one's own body no intention of dying<\/strong> (e.g., cuts, burns, bruises). It usually works as emotional regulation<\/strong>, feeling of control or self-punishment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suicidal behavior<\/strong>: covers ideation<\/strong>, plans<\/strong>, attempts<\/strong> and completed suicide<\/strong>; exists intention<\/strong> (or clear risk) of dying.
Although they are different constructs<\/strong>, often coexist<\/strong> and share risk factors. Evaluate them jointly<\/strong> improves prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we are seeing more cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the last decade, multiple surveillance systems and emergency services have observed more queries<\/strong> for self-harm and ideation\/attempts in adolescents, especially girls<\/strong>, and in contexts with bullying<\/strong>, academic tension<\/strong> either family crises<\/strong>This has led to health<\/strong> and education<\/strong> to prioritize detection and response protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk factors (multifactorial model)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Individuals<\/strong>: depression, eating disorders, impulsivity, low frustration tolerance, previous attempts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relatives<\/strong>: chronic conflict, violence, neglect, poor communication, family history of suicide or mental illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social and school<\/strong>: bullying, exclusion, academic pressure, substance use, access to lethal means<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural and media<\/strong>: contagion effect<\/strong> due to inadequate coverage, normalization of self-harm on networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning signs: what to look out for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sudden changes in the mood<\/strong> (sadness, irritability), isolation<\/strong>, loss of interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wounds<\/strong> or unexplained scarring, persistent use of long sleeves<\/strong> in heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Messages about empty<\/strong>, blame<\/strong>, farewells<\/strong> or \u201cnot make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impulsiveness<\/strong>, substance use, academic decline<\/strong> and conflicts<\/strong> at home or in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keys to early detection<\/strong>
To train teachers, counselors, educators and mediators to ask questions directly and empathetically<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you feel overwhelmed, have you hurt yourself or thought about hurting yourself?\u201d
Questions clear, without judgment<\/strong> and with time to listen<\/strong> make it easier for the teenager to open up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initial assessment and safety plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you notice any signs, immediately assess:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Current risk<\/strong> (intention, plan, available means).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Frequency and method<\/strong> from self-harm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Triggers<\/strong> recent (conflicts, losses, bullying).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Support network<\/strong> (family, peers, adult role models).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Basic security plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n