Dozens of Middle School Students Cut Their Hands Using Razors, UM Surabaya Lecturer Associates with Self Harm

• 17 Mar
• 2023

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Dozens of Middle School Students Cut Their Hands Using Razors, UM Surabaya Lecturer Associates with Self Harm

• Article
• By Uswah Sahal
• Health
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A few days ago social media was horrified by dozens of junior high school students in North Bengkulu who slashed their hands with razor blades. In addition to trends in social media, environmental factors and identity crises are the background for the actions taken by these students.

Lecturer at the Faculty of Mental Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences (FIK) UM Surabaya, Uswatun Hasanah, said that this was related to self harm or forms of self-harm behavior caused by various kinds of psychological pressure experienced by individuals.

Uswatun said, this behavior generally occurs in adolescents and young adults who are in a transitional period where they are required to be able to adapt in various new, unfamiliar situations. The phenomenon of self-harm is increasing until now, it has become a normal thing, even for most teenagers it is considered as an absolute solution to solving problems or expressing emotions within themselves.

"Of course solving problems by hurting yourself is not justified and is not the right solution," said Uswatun Friday (17/3/23)

He said, individuals have several reasons and have goals when doing self harm where they hope that doing so can help manage emotional problems, reduce tension, provide physical pain so that they are distracted from emotional stress, express emotions in the form of anger, hurt and frustration. , as a form of escape, a form of self-control over their feelings, and to get the attention of others.

Uswatun emphasized that parents and the environment around individuals with a tendency to self harm behavior must be aware and really recognize the symptoms of self harm experienced by adolescents, things to note include being verbally more silent, unable to express feelings, expressing hopelessness and helplessness, exhibiting behavior that is difficult to form relationships with others, behavior and emotions that change quickly and impulsively, intensely, and unexpectedly, self-injury intentionally, rubbing the area excessively to cause burns, storing sharp objects or other items used to self-harm own hands, tries to hide scars by wearing long sleeves or long pants, often reports about accidental injury or injury. Physically it is necessary to observe the presence of scars, often in the form of a certain pattern, the presence of new cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks or other injuries.

"This self-harm behavior needs to be watched out for because without realizing it, if it continues to occur, it will lead to psychological disorders or what is known as Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) behavior," added Uswatun again.

Uswatun added, simple things that can be done by family members, especially parents if they find a child or someone close to them showing symptoms or behavior of self harm, must be embraced, by giving attention, giving children the opportunity to express their feelings, trying not to judge what the child is doing, taking the time to do positive activities together, trying to find information regarding self-harm behavior in order to get the right handling guide.

"Don't let those concerned shut themselves up, provide a safe and comfortable environment, cooperate with schools or other support systems around individuals and instill adequate religious values," said Uswatun again.

According to him, the school environment can help deal with self-harm problems by building positive relationships between teachers, school staff and students. Teachers must have concern, sensitivity and a good understanding of students' mental health problems.