Teenage years are not only challenging because of rapid physical development and changes, there are many other variables that can complicate this period of time in your child’s life. Research shows that the part of our brain that helps us to make rational decisions is not fully developed until age 25! Without this part of the brain fully developed it is no wonder that teens can sometimes be viewed as “impulsive” and can, at times, appear to react without thinking. Young people can also experience intense emotions which can result in confusion and vulnerability as well as a range of other problems.

Teens can face difficult thoughts, feelings or situations. In an attempt to cope some teens may turn to self-destructive behaviors, including self-harm. During this stage of development, some teens may try experimenting with things, such as drugs, alcohol, or sex. Other teens may hurt themselves on purpose by inflicting physical pain on their own body. Injuring themselves may be their way to escape or cope.

The Truth behind Teenage Self-Harm

Nearly 10 percent of American children deliberately hurt themselves at some point during puberty. Studies show that 15 percent of teens have been reported to inflict some form of self-injury.

Anyone can engage in self-harming behaviors, though it can be more common with teens and females. Young people who are facing major life stressors, have experienced traumatic life events, experience intense or overwhelming emotions, or have low self-esteem are more likely to engage in self-harming acts. While research shows that 25 percent of those who self-harm report to only have done it once, that means that the other seventy five percent engage in self-harm more regularly.

Self-harm is believed to release endorphins, which is closely tied to pain, endorphins are also sometimes referred to as a “feel good chemical”. This immediate sense of relief can become addictive, though it is short lived and not sustainable. The relief that comes from self-harming comes with a host of other problems.

Although self-harming may temporarily mask the pain, the underlying concerns remain. Self-harm may help in expressing feelings that cannot be articulated, releasing emotional pain, temporarily stopping guilt, feeling in control, demonstrating anger, or distracting oneself from difficult life circumstances. When the feeling of temporary relief is gone, the real pain will come back, and the urge to self-harm will likely return.

Those who self-injure tend to keep their activities secret either because they are embarrassed or afraid of being misunderstood. The truth is that hiding their feelings or thoughts can become a heavy burden that may eventually affect their relationship with others and how they feel about themselves. Ultimately, a self-harming teen may end up feeling more lonely, hopeless, unloved, and trapped. It is important for individuals that self-injury to find healthy ways of coping with their distress and challenges, therapy can help.

Self-Harm Is Not a Suicide Attempt

Self-harm is often misunderstood and believed to be an attempt to end one’s life. Although both may involve inflicting pain, there is a big difference between the two. Those that self-injure generally do not wish to kill themselves.

The difference between self-harm and a suicide attempt is intention. Whereas self-harming is viewed as a way to cope with life stressors, contemplating ending life is considered as an escape from the pain and suffering being experienced. Acts with the purpose of ending life originate from hopelessness, depression and worthlessness. On the other hand, the pain felt from self-infliction reassures the self-harmer of being alive despite the emotional numbness or disconnection with the world.

Self-harm, even if there is no intention to end one’s life, is serious and must be addressed. People who habitually commit self-injury are at higher risk of eventually ending their life. Repeated self-harm can also result in serious injuries, disabilities, and accidental death.

What are Signs and Symptoms of Self-Harm?

There is no specific “profile” for a teen that will self-harm despite what stereotypical beliefs may say. Due to this, it is important to know what signs to look out for. There are also a variety of ways to self-injure, which can make it difficult at times to identify.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to spot warning signs of self-harming since it is often done in secret, and it may take a long time for others to see the signs. Apart from major activities, such as poisoning, head banging, hair pulling, and burning oneself, other give away signs that your teen may be engaging in self-harming activities and needs professional help include the following:

• Unexplained cuts, burns and bruises on some parts of the body, particularly on the wrists or arms
• Tendency to wear long sleeves and pants despite the warm weather
• Presence of blood stains on clothes or bedding
• Presence of drug or medical paraphernalia
• Withdrawal or isolation, especially in the bedroom or bathroom
• Possession of sharp objects or lighters
• Mood swings
• Changes in eating, sleeping and socializing patterns
• Poor academic performance
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed

Self-harm can also include less obvious ways of hurting or endangering oneself, such as swallowing poisonous substances or objects, or reckless driving. Self-harm can also take the form of digital or cyberbullying wherein teenagers create their own pseudo-online identity on social media sites and bash themselves cruelly. Cruel comments may also come from other people.

A single warning sign does not necessarily mean that your teen is self-harming. These signs become more serious when several of them happen at the same time.

Seek Help for Self-Harm

Self-harming is not always a sign of mental illness. It is, however, certainly a sign that someone needs help, care and support.

It can be difficult for a teen to admit that they have been engaging in self-harm, particularly if this has been a source of escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Regardless of what angle you look at it, self-inflicted injury is not and will never be a healthy activity. It is often confusing, and it may be difficult to stop on your own. There may be nothing more beneficial than counseling to help sort through this confusion.

Parents may also find it difficult to stay calm when they learn their child has been self-harming, this is understandable. Whether you are a parent of a teen who is self-harming, or a teen engaged in self-harm, there is help available. There are many ways to find this help. Your journey to end self-harm can begin with a caring counselor/therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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