One in four girls and one in 10 boys age 10-14 are self-harming, according to Deborah Weber, a licensed clinical social worker who practices with PrimaryPlus in Maysville.

In the Buffalo Trace Region, 21.4 percent of eighth-graders reported self-harm, according to a 2016 survey.

Non-suicidal self-harm is defined as a non-suicidal self-injury and deliberate self-harm, most often by cutting. And it is usual a reoccurring rather than a one-time event. Sharp objects ranging from razors and knives to broken glass are used to inflict the damage but when they are not available items and actions like hard rubbing with pencil erasers or even biting themselves are used, experts said.

A workshop targeting medical professionals and school personnel is set for Tuesday, Oct. 23 at Crockett Auditorium at Maysville Community and Technical College. “Self Harm — Stopping the Pain,” is sponsored by a community partnership of PrimaryPlus, Buffalo Trace Health Department, Comprehend Inc., Regional Prevention Center, The Ridge Behavioral Health and local school districts. The workshop is designed to offer information on understanding and treating non-suicidal self-harm, Weber said.

The workshop will feature Michael Rieser MD, a triple Board Certified Psychiatrist, based in Lexington..

Sadly, children can now find information on the internet demonstrating how to self-harm, Weber said.

“In the future, we hope as a group to offer parents, through the school system, information to help them be aware of treatment options for their kids,” Weber said.

In the meantime, Weber said, a crisis line is available for children and adults at 1-800-don’tcut and an app Calm Harm.

Parents may also want to learn the warning signs of self cutting:

— Marks o the body, such as cuts or burn marks on arms, legs and abdomen.

— Cutting instruments found among teen’s belongings such as razors, knives and pins/needles.

— Hearing of teenage friends or peers who are cutting themselves.

— Wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts consistently (even in warm weather).

— Blood stains on clothing.

— Secretive or elusive behavior.

— Spending lengthy periods of time alone.

The workshop will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and a light meal will be provided. CEU credits will be provided by The Ridge. Register by calling 606-759-0490 or by email at [email protected]

https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_selfharm-1.jpg

Mary Ann Kearns

[email protected]