Dealing with Deliberate Self Harm in Teens
Teen cutting is now more common than before, with the issue being dealt with in movies, and with celebrities talking about their own experiences with deliberate self harm as well. Many teenagers either indulge in cutting oneself or know of someone who does, whether parents and teachers are aware or not. Deliberate self harm or SI (self injury) could take the form of branding, burning, banging one’s head repeatedly, hair pulling, bruising or marking in some form, or cutting.
Cutting oneself is the most common form of SI, with over 64% of teenagers choosing the method. This form of deliberate self harm involves the use of an object to cut or wound one’s own body. Teenagers will use razors, paper clips, geometric instruments, needles or even knifes and scissors. Usually teenagers cut themselves on arms, wrists, legs, bellies and thighs. While girls are believed to be more prone to teen cutting, teenage boys also injure themselves.
Reasons for Teen Cutting
In the transition period from childhood to adulthood, teenagers can be confused about the ‘grown-up’ way to deal with a problem or the emotions that are suddenly taking hold of them, and may resort to cutting as a way of taking control. If parents view deliberate self-harm as a coping mechanism rather than an act of defiance or a suicide attempt, it can be handled more effectively.
In many other cases, teen cutting is driven by emotional or mental needs, as a way of dealing with feelings that the teen is unable to bear. Research has shown that anger and anxiety are the most prevalent causes for deliberate self harm. Cutting oneself is thought to release endorphins in the system, causing a temporary ‘high’ for the cutter. Teenagers who have the following traits are vulnerable to teen cutting:
- Low self esteem
- High anxiety or anger
- Hypersensitivity
- Feelings of rejection
- An underlying condition such as bipolar disorder or depression
Reasons for Deliberate Self Harm
Apart from being an obvious or hidden call for attention or help, teen cutting involves a number of other risks. Using or sharing unhygienic instruments can cause infection, inflammation and increases the chances of contracting various transmittable diseases. Cutting oneself too deep or too hard could lead to veins, arteries or tendons being severed. Given that teenagers are vulnerable to experimenting with drugs, alcohol or risky behaviour, the combination of injury or excessive bleeding in an isolated place or in the company of other intoxicated teens could even be fatal.
Teen Cutting – Recognizing the Signs
Many teenagers will hide their scars or injuries, and feel ashamed of them. As they are already struggling with fitting in or being part of a group, their worries about being rejected, mocked or considered weird can often be a deterrent to them asking for help with deliberate self harm. The act of cutting oneself is a very personal, intimate act that teens will be secretive about even if they are not ashamed. When talked to about the issue of teen cutting, they vary in their reactions – some admit that it is dangerous, does not solve the problem and that they would like to stop, while some are reluctant to stop the habit. Often teens will talk about their habit of deliberate self harm to someone, or find a way to let people know about the injuries. Many of them, however, are unwilling to give up even the short-term relief that they feel from the habit, despite knowing it is destructive and harmful.
The most common signs of teen cutting are unexplained injuries on the body of your teenage child, with vague explanations for the cuts. Teenagers who become quiet and withdrawn suddenly or start to wear clothes that cover arms and legs even in summer or on holiday, (although all these symptoms could be just teenage whims) may be practising deliberate self harm.
It is important for parents or care-takers to understand or at least accept the difference between deliberate self-harm and self-decoration such as multiple tattoos or piercings. Often, it takes time and patience for a teenager to stop the habit of cutting oneself, but sometimes, therapy may be required. Discussing the problem of teen cutting with a counselor or trained professional before addressing the problem may help parents to gain perspective.
References:
1. Cutting – Kids Health
2. What is Self Injury? – Focus Adolescent Services
3. AAMFT Consumer Update Adolescent Self Harm – American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
