Self Injury

What is it and what can parents do about it?

What is self-injury?

Commonly called cutting, it's also called self-inflicted violence, self-injury, self-harm, parasuicide, self-abuse, self-mutilation.

What is self-injurious behavior?

The forms and severity of self-injury can vary, although the most commonly seen behavior is cutting, burning, and head-banging.

Other forms of self-injurious behavior include:

• carving
• scratching
• branding
• marking
• burning/abrasions
• biting
• bruising
• hitting
• picking/pulling skin and hair

Why Do Teens Self-Injure?

Teens who have difficulty talking about their feelings may show their emotional tension, physical discomfort, pain and low self-esteem with self-injurious behaviors. Although they may feel like the "steam" in the "pressure cooker" has been released following the act of hurting themselves, teenagers may also feel hurt, anger, fear and hate.

Most teens who self-injure go to great lengths to hide their wounds and scars. Many consider their self-harm to be a deeply shameful secret and dread the consequences of discovery.

What Can Parents Do About Self-Injury?

Parents must listen to their child and acknowledge their child's feelings. (In other words, parents should validate feelings -- not necessarily the teen's behavior.)

Parents should also serve as role models in the way they deal with stressful situations and traumatic events, in how they respond to other people, by not allowing abuse or violence in the home, and by not engaging in acts of self-harm.

Evaluation by a mental health professional may assist in identifying and treating the underlying causes of self-injury. A mental health professional can also diagnose and treat any mental health disorders that may accompany self-injurious behavior.

Feelings of wanting to die or suicidal plans are reasons for parents to IMMEDIATELY seek professional care for their child. Call the Access and Crisis Line at 888-724-7240.