Education
What is Teen Cutting and Self-Injury?
Teen cutting and self-injury, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is a complex issue where individuals deliberately harm themselves to cope with emotional pain or distress. Key points to understand:
- Common forms include cutting, burning, or hitting oneself
- Not typically a suicide attempt, but a serious concern requiring professional attention
- Often used to express emotions, punish oneself, or feel a sense of control
- Risk factors include mental health issues, trauma, and peer influence
- Signs include unexplained wounds, concealing clothing, and social isolation
- Approach the subject calmly and non-judgmentally if suspected
- Offer support and seek professional help
- Treatment often involves therapy to develop healthy coping mechanisms
- Address underlying issues contributing to self-injury
- Recovery is possible with proper support and intervention
If you suspect a teen is self-injuring, don’t ignore it or try to handle it alone. Consult with mental health professionals who specialize in adolescent issues. Create a supportive environment where the teen feels safe discussing their feelings. Help them develop alternative coping strategies and stress-management techniques. Remember that healing takes time and patience.