Over the past few years’ teen self-harm, cutting and other forms of self-injury have become more common among young people. By definition, self–harm refers to hurting oneself to relieve emotional pain or distress.

According to research female adolescents are more likely to engage in self-harm than males, and the average age of onset is around 13 years. Studies show that around one in three young people have considered harming themselves, and in the past decade young people have consistently had the highest hospitalization rates for self-harm.

Why Do Teens Self-Harm?

Although every situation is different, there are common causes stemming from a wide range of issues that can be associated with self-harming behavior.

Some of the most common reasons teen self-injure:

• Getting an immediate sense of relief
• Having physical pain supersede emotional pain
• A feeling of being in control
• Communicating a need for support
• Trying to express complicated or hidden feelings.

There are issues that may lead to teen cutting or self-harm however it depends on if your overwhelmed teen has alternative ways to handle stressful situations. Do they have coping skills when they are feeling overwhelmed or extremely emotional?

Some common issues that may lead to teen self-harm:

• Academic stress, overall stress and anxiety
• Depression, sadness, hopelessness
• Bullying or cyberbullying
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• A troubled family life (possibly parents divorcing)
• Instability at home (housing insecurity, financial stress)
• Mental health problems

Is My Teen Self-Harming?

In many cases your teen will keep their cuts and scars hidden, and then there are some teenagers that openly display their injuries. Sometimes you’ll notice unexplained cuts, but more often the signs are in their behavior.

Social and behavioral changes:

• Wearing long-sleeved clothes in hot weather (including pants – no shorts, since the upper thigh is a common area the they will injure).
• Being secretive in their room and their possessions
• Changing their eating, sleeping or communication habits
• Being less social or less interested in school or their once favorite activities
• Withdrawn from family events

Emotional and physical signs:

• Feeling sad, sick and withdrawn
• Often angry or irritable
• Appearing disconnected or not interested in conversations
• Having frequent sores or injuries
• Putting less interest in their hygiene or appearance
• Feeling guilty or ashamed.

It can be difficult to understand why your teen has resorted to self-harming behavior, and it’s important to listen to them and try to understand rather than judge them.

Also read:

How to Help Your Teen that Self-Harms

3 Ways to Help Your Teen Stop Self-Injury

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