Definition

Self-injury or self-harm is any form of hurting oneself on purpose, often as a way to deal with painful emotions. The most commonly known type of self-harm is cutting. Other types of self-harm include scratching, burning, hitting or punching oneself, or picking at existing wounds.

Signs of Self-Harm

• cuts or burn marks on arms, legs, abdomen;

• finding hidden razors, knives, or other sharp objects;

• spending long periods of time alone, especially in the bedroom or bathroom;

• wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather, such as long sleeves or pants in warm weather.

Resources

• If you suspect any injury on your child to be the result of a suicide attempt, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) immediately.

• Treat any physical injuries as medically necessary.

• Talk to your child as soon as possible regarding the self-injury.

• Consult with a medical or mental health professional to determine next steps.

• Validate your child's feelings, which is different from validating their behavior.

• Be a respectful listener, speak in a calm tone, and offer your child reassurance.

• Model healthy ways of managing stress. Practice using positive coping skills together.

• Don't expect a quick fix. There will be setbacks on the road to recovery, and a slip does not mean that your child is not making progress.