Being a teenager takes moxie. We\u2019ve all been there and know it\u2019s packed with inside out feelings that aren\u2019t easily understood. On the best of days being a teen can take grit and guts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When struggling with those feelings, some teens turn to self-injury, clinically referred to as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NSSI can occur when a teen feels a momentary need to escape. While it is not usually a desire to die, NSSI can increase the risk of suicide because of the emotional problems that trigger it1<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Self-injury can be cutting, head banging, burning the skin, hair pulling, scratching to the point of drawing blood, punching oneself, inserting objects into body openings, drinking harmful substances, or attempting to break bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Navigating confusing emotions is difficult for everyone; for a teen it can be downright overwhelming. Psychologists point to many reasons teens may turn to self-injury. Some include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical signs<\/strong> include scars, often in patterns, fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, burn marks, bite marks, or other wounds. These marks will typically be in different stages of healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emotional and behavioral signs<\/strong> to look for include difficulties with relationships; impulsive, intense, and unexpected emotional changes; decreased academic performance; and increased isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other telltale signs<\/strong> also might be wearing long sleeves and pants to cover the injuries; finding blood stains on cloths or sheets, or finding hidden knives, razors, sharp objects, matches, and lighters; and getting frequent reports of accidental injuries from the teen or school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re concerned a teenager may be self-injuring, here are some immediate actions you can take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are healthy alternatives to self-injury and the conditions that trigger them. A professional can help a teen in need understand and work toward better health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resources<\/strong> <\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\tWhat does self-injury look like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why hurt oneself?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What are signs a teen may be self-injuring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Help a teenager who is self-injuring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1<\/sup>National Center for Biotechnology Information, The Effect of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury on Suicidal Ideation: A Real-Time Monitoring Study<\/a>
Healthchildren.org, When children and teens self-harm\u00a0<\/a>
Mayclinic.org, Self-injury\/cutting<\/a>\u00a0
Sheppardpratt.org, What parents need to know about self-harm<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWas this helpful?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t