Familiarize yourself with this self-harming behavior so you'll know what to do when your teenager engages in it.
Photo by Matthew Waring
Signs, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
When confronted with intense emotions, some teens may turn to self-harm, such as cutting, as a means of coping. While some claim that cutting serves as a temporary distraction from difficult feelings, this confuses others who wonder how physical pain can ease emotional pain.
Familiarize yourself with this self-harming behavior so you'll know what to do when your teenager engages in it.
What Is Teen Cutting?
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the intentional harming of the body without the intent to end one’s life. Cutting is one example of NSSI, but it can also be done through scratching, hitting, and burning, among other methods. Additionally, NSSI is more common in people who suffer from anxiety, depression, or have difficulty regulating their emotions.
Why Do Teens Engage In Self-Harm Like Cutting?
While there are many causes and factors to self-harm, some teens do it because they are looking for a way to alleviate or distract themselves from their intense thoughts and emotions.
A meta-analytic study from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry analyzed the prevalence and characteristics of self-harm in adolescents across 41 countries. Results showed that the average age of starting self-harm was 13 years old and the most common type of self-harm was cutting. The most common reason is to find relief from their thoughts and feelings.
Additionally, a 2016 study looked into the reason why adolescents self-harm, with results showing that the most common reason is “to get relief from a terrible state of mind”.
What Are The Signs That A Teenager May Be Engaging In Cutting?
Some teens who engage in cutting might try to conceal it, so adults might not have an idea that it’s happening. The following signs will give you an idea if your teen is engaging in this dangerous behavior:
Fresh cuts or scars on the skin (e.g. wrists, hands, legs, or other body parts)
Using bandages and plasters more often
Wearing clothes that are not suitable for the weather to cover cuts
Covering certain body parts with clothes or jewelry
Avoiding situations where they have to show their body (e.g. swimming)
Self-isolation
Symptoms of depression (e.g. hopelessness, reduced appetite, sleep problems, irritability)
Is Cutting A Sign Of Suicidal Intent?
When teenagers engage in self-harm, it's often a way for them to deal with or find some relief from their emotional suffering. But even though people who engage in NSSI might not have suicidal intent, parents should still be concerned for their children.
Researchers have investigated the relationship between NSSI and suicidal intent. In a 2013 study, the findings suggested that NSSI is a risk factor for suicide. Additionally, another study found that a history of NSSI predicted suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This suggests that it may serve as a “gateway” behavior for suicide.
Can Cutting Become An Addiction Or Habit?
When teens repeatedly rely on cutting as a way to cope, it can form into a habit. For instance, instead of learning how to regulate intense emotions, teens might feel the urge to self-harm to find relief from what they’re feeling.
What Are The Treatment Options For Teenagers Who Engage In Cutting?
Teenagers who engage in self-harm have access to different treatment options. You can look into the following:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy or talk therapy that uses strategies to change a patient’s unhelpful thinking patterns. It is based on the principle that a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected.
For instance, if a teen’s distorted or irrational thoughts causes emotional distress, which can lead to self-harm behavior such as cutting, CBT can help them understand the reason why they self-harm and find healthier ways to cope.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapy that is based on CBT. It is helpful for teens who are struggling to regulate their emotions. It was originally designed for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) but can also be effective for those who struggle with major depressive disorder, suicidal behavior, and nonsuicidal self-injury.
The main goal of this type of therapy is to teach patients two opposite ideas — acceptance and change. For example, you will be taught to accept yourself, your challenges, and your experiences. Additionally, you will also learn to make positive changes in your life.
How Can I Create A Supportive Environment To Help My Teen Stop Cutting?
A supportive environment can help your teen who’s struggling to stop harming themselves. Here are some ways you can help them:
Communicate with your teen
If you’re still in doubt if they’re harming themselves, you can communicate your concerns with your teen in a safe and private environment. But be prepared for other reactions, as they may try to deny it or get upset. The best reaction is to stay calm and communicate again next time.
When having this conversation with your teen, be as calm and nonjudgmental as possible. Express concern and communicate that you want to help them. Be patient because it can take a long time for your teen to make the necessary changes.
Be Available For Your Teen
Support your teen by listening to their problems, offering comfort, and thinking of solutions together. Help them practice healthy coping mechanisms to help minimize their stress, such as practicing yoga, spending time in nature, and taking deep breaths. Additionally, it is also important to check up on your teen often even if you think that they’re getting better.
Research and learn
Gain a deeper understanding of self-harm and explore strategies to help your teenager overcome this behavior. There are plenty of research studies and learning materials available online for your reading. This will help you understand what they are going through and also find out what treatment options are available.
Be a good influence
How you respond to difficulties, express your emotions, and behave will influence your teen. What you do, what you believe in, and what you say can have an impact on them.
That’s why it’s a good idea to also learn how to regulate emotions, have self-compassion, and practice healthy problem-solving skills when faced with challenges. This way, you can be a positive influence on your teen.
Create a safe home environment
Remove or lock up hazardous objects in your home, such as knives, weapons, and other dangerous household items to keep your teen safe when they are having self-harming thoughts. Your teen’s therapist can help create a safety plan to teach teens to cope with their thoughts and emotions and also help you make the home environment safer.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you're worried that your teenager may be participating in self-harming activities, it's recommended to reach out to a professional for assistance. A mental health professional can provide the treatment that your teen needs.
If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask your trusted support network for help. You can also benefit from seeking professional help for yourself if you’re struggling as a parent. Remember that you can only take care of your teen if you also take care of yourself.
The Bottom Line
When teens engage in self-harm, it's often a sign of intense emotional pain, and discovering that your teenager is struggling in this way can be incredibly shocking and unsettling. Aside from your teen’s determination to stop this unhealthy habit, strong support from their loved ones can go a long way to making a positive change. Be patient as they overcome their struggles and find healthier ways to cope.
Michael Vallejo is licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Colorado and Oregon. He received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Portland State University in 2010 and has extensive experience with children with behavioral and mental health difficulties. He’s worked in a residential treatment center for children and teens as well as in a shelter for at-risk youth and he co-owns Mental Health Center Kids.
