PRESSURES from social media and demands to stage a 'perfect reality' are fuelling mental health problems among teenage girls, with one Cumbria charity lowering its age limit to support children as young as 11.

The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey found worrying evidence that more women aged 16 to 24 than ever before are experiencing psychological issues, with one in four having deliberately harmed themselves.

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The research showed young women are three times as likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder as their male peers, making them an identified "key high risk" group.

Growing demand

Locally, demand on Self-harm Awareness For All Cumbria (SAFA) has never been higher, with the 11 to 19 age group accounting for roughly half of the total clients staff trained in talking therapies see.


Cindy Daltioni. Cindy Daltioni, chief executive of the charity, which has a base in Duke Street, Barrow, said: "Our aim is to empower the individual to take responsibility for the changes they want in their lives.

"We do this by offering a confidential space to work through issues they are experiencing - this is the strength of our service.

"We also incorporate psycho education to help people to understand what may be going on for them."

In July, the charity saw 104 clients, with 82 of these being female. The high demand has seen SAFA lower the age limit it can start working with from 13 to 11-years-old.

The charity hosted its first-ever conference last month in Penrith, with the pressure to project the unrealistic image of a perfect, happy and healthy person on apps like Instagram and Snapchat discussed at length.

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People viewing pictures of friends and celebrities who have used filters or only captured staged snaps can increase anxiety for young women, in particular, to look and behave a certain way.


Dr Gillian Rayner. Sexual violence, bullying and childhood trauma are other big causes of mental health problems, according to the research.

Dr Gillian Rayner, senior lecturer in mental health nursing from the University of Salford, spoke at the conference, telling attendees one client said their self-harm experience was "not enjoyable but better than the thoughts and feelings I had".

Where to go for help

+ Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - ChatHealth, text service for 11 to 19-year-olds - Tel: 07480 635 458

+ SAFA Cumbria - 114 Duke Street, Barrow, Cumbria, LA14 1LW. Tel: 01229 832269. Email: info@safa-selfharm.com

+ Samaritans - 16 Hartington Street, Barrow, Cumbria, LA14 5SL. Tel: 01229 825656 or 116 123. Email: jo@samaritans.org

+ Childline - Tel: 0800 1111

+ Mind in Furness - The William Bingley Centre, 64 School Street, Barrow, Cumbria, LA14 1EW. Tel: 01229 827094. Email: lorraine.barnes@mindinfurness.org.uk

+ BEAT - Beating Eating Disorders