The characteristics of self-harming (or self-injuring) vary from cutting, burning, self-tattooing, bruising, pinching, etc. The most commonly associated symptom of self-injury is scarification, or self-mutilation. This is when a teen will purposely cut him/herself, sometimes deeply, warranting medical attention. Typically, these wounds are on areas they can easily conceal such as the bottoms of their feet, arms, thighs, and abdomen.
According to studies conducted by Janis Whitlock, 2009, 14-17% of children up to age 18 have deliberately harmed themselves at least once, and 5-8% of adolescents actively engage in this sort of behavior. Self-harming is most common in young girls, but young men are also reported to seek help.
Mental health and health-care professionals have typically viewed these sorts of actions as symptoms of an underlying psychological or personality disorder. However, findings prove that the majority of self-harming adolescents don't meet the stereotypical criteria for treatable disorders, have never had suicidal thoughts, and have never been sexually or physically abused.
Findings show that self-harming adolescents use this behavior as a way to cope with emotional stress. Often, self-harming adolescents have an emotional disconnection within their family dynamics. Parents may not be capable of handling their teen's emotional needs, and respond to them in invalidating ways such as by yelling, threatening, dishing out extreme consequences, distancing themselves, or by becoming hysterical. Such reactions fuel their child's emotional distress, and help to widen the gap of healthy communication further.
Once started, self-injury and/or self-mutilation can be a difficult habit to walk away from. The body releases a rush of endorphins immediately following the self-inflicted wound. The rush of hormones masks any and all emotional pain, compelling teens to engage in this sort of behavior when faced with emotional distress. But, much like the controlling aspects that drive those with eating disorders to continue to engage in such dangerous actions, self-harming acts are also attractive to those who feel they must be in control of every instance and experience—some say that these acts are the only thing they control in their lives.
Some of the reasons teens give for self-injury and/or self-mutilation include:
- not knowing how to deal with stress
- an unresolved history of abuse
- low self esteem
- feelings of loneliness or fear
- a need to feel control
- mental health problems such as depression, aniexty, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
- wanting attention from those that can help, but unable to clearly communicate
- peer pressure/curiosity
Some of the signs that a teen might be harming him/herself include:
- unexplained injuries: cuts, scratches, burns, bruises, etc.
- making excuses for injuries or scars if they are discovered
- acting embarrassed or ashamed about injuries
- wearing long sleeves even in hot weather
- secretiveness or withdrawal
- having trouble dealing with emotions
- a history of eating disorders
- spending time with others that self-injure, online or in person
- low self esteem
What schools and parents can do if you suspect a teen is harming his/herself:
- Talk calmly and directly; not lecturing, judging, or getting angry.
- Be supportive by listening and letting your teen know that he/she can find better ways to deal with emotions.
- Find a qualified specialist that can help the teen through the healing process.
- Encourage the teen to find other positive outlets/activities to deal with emotions, such as playing an instrument, journal writing, sports, dancing, reading, exercise, etc.
- Encourage the teen to avoid people, music, and online sites that glorify self-injury—by removing all the "nouns" (people, places, and things) in their life that remind and encourage them to harm themselves, they will be more apt to heal.
- Educate your staff, faculty, and yourself about self-injury. Know the warning signs and the symptoms of such behaviors.
