Teenagers who self harm

It would horrify most parents to know their teen is inflicting pain on themselves, but unfortunately, the number of teenagers who self-harm is on the increase. Studies show that self harm is linked to depression in teens, and contrary to popular belief it is not confined to girls, although they are twice as likely as boys to self harm. The types of self harm range from cutting, to hair pulling, to burning, to deliberate overdose and even attempted suicide.

The teenager may carefully cut where the damage will not be seen, and the behavior is unlikely to stop unless someone intervenes. The reasons for self harm are various, but most psychologists believe that there is something seriously, deeply, wrong and this is not just attention seeking behavior.

Teenagers who self harm have reported that it gives them a sense of control, where they feel that they have no control in their lives. The sensation is described as being a bizarre form of pain relief, that other psychological pain is somehow, overridden, by physical pain that is within the teens control. A teenager who self harms is experiencing complete desperation with other areas of their life. They may be being bullied at school, suffer extreme low self-esteem, are anxious all the time and feel unable to cope with everyday life. Self harming is the only way they know to establish some sense of order and for some it gives them a numbness that blots out other problems.

Whilst teenagers who self harm spend a lot of time hiding the evidence, it is not that difficult to spot for a parent who suspects their child is hurting themselves. The teen may well avoid sports at school, even faking letters from home, excusing them from physical games. During the summer, the self harmer will be more covered up, a particular indicator being the wearing of long sleeved tops, as the arms are a favorite target for self abuse. The teen that self harms will never go swimming, the exposure is too great and they do feel overwhelming guilt over their behavior. Someone close to the teen will eventually suspect that the teen is hurting themselves and report it; some teens do eventually admit it themselves when challenged.

Some teens end up in hospital with an infection from the cuts and the medical staff will recognize the self harm for what it is. Parents who suspect it can find out quickly, but more importantly need to find out what is the underlying cause. If the self harm has been going on for some time, the emotional disturbance is severe and the cause may be deeply buried. The teenager will need therapy, counseling and treatment, and they have been known to relapse, even in adulthood. Parents of teenagers, who self harm, need to be very patient, and their teen will need their support for some time.