When I first began working in the mental health space, I never imagined I’d be using the word “trend” to describe a crisis. But years ago, something happened that stopped me in my tracks—and changed the way I viewed my work forever.

It happened in a quiet part of Wales, and what I discovered there was as heartbreaking as it was baffling.

When a Cry for Help Becomes Contagious

I’d heard whispers of something strange happening among young people in the area. It wasn’t just a mental health issue affecting one or two children—it was a growing phenomenon. In this case, the form it took was self-poisoning. Girls, in particular, were accessing harmful products from under kitchen sinks or in garden sheds, and ingesting them as a cry for help.

It was not just the danger of the act that shocked me—but the realisation that these behaviours were spreading from one young person to another.

Mental health wasn’t just a private struggle—it was becoming social, shared, and in a way, contagious. 😔

I want to be very clear here: I never use the term “trend” lightly when discussing mental health. The word risks implying something fashionable, something fleeting. And this was neither. But what I witnessed was undeniably spreading—a ripple effect of crisis among vulnerable young people.

Later, I discovered that self-harm has long been documented, sometimes in ways we wouldn’t expect. For example, during the early days of textile manufacturing, it was reported that some women would deliberately prick themselves with needles during work. It was one of the earliest recorded examples of self-harming behaviour being studied and discussed.

And so I began to realise… these moments in time aren’t isolated. They’re reflections of our culture, our awareness, and the environment we create for our children.

This Is Why the Work We Do Matters

The more I looked into this issue, the more I began to understand the deeper mechanisms at play. I recently listened to a fascinating podcast called Hysteria, which explored a similar situation in a town in America.

Teenagers there began experiencing tics and Tourette-like symptoms, and for a long time, experts thought something in the water or air might be to blame.

The Mind Holds the Key 🗝
No one knows for absolute certain, but it appears to be the mind —not the environment—that held the key to the mystery. 🧠

These kinds of cases, as bizarre as they may seem, shine a light on the very real, very complex relationship young people have with their mental health—and how deeply they are influenced by those around them. Whether it’s social media, friendship circles, or shared trauma, we must be aware that children and teens do not suffer in isolation.

This is where our work becomes more than a job. It becomes a mission.

In a children’s franchise like NLP4Kids, we’re not just responding to needs—we’re proactively creating healthier futures.
We are change-makers in a world that needs healing, and our work is both urgent and deeply rewarding.

Be Part of Something That Makes a Difference

When you become part of the NLP4Kids children’s franchise, you’re joining a network of people who don’t just want to help kids cope—they want to help them thrive. You’ll be trained, supported, and equipped to deliver practical strategies for real change.

But more than that, you’ll be part of a movement that helps children feel safe, seen, and strong. You’ll know that you’re contributing to the prevention of emotional crises—and building resilience in the next generation.

I often say, “You don’t just remember the work. You remember the difference.” And in this children’s franchise, we live that every day.

👉 If you’re ready to make a difference:

Becoming a Licensee

by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai)