A child’s adolescent years can be some of the hardest of their lives, and some teens simply can’t cope. This isn’t a failing on their part; mental health conditions or trauma can make it more difficult for someone to regulate their emotions, especially if they’re already going through other tough changes in their body.
But if your teen starts turning to self-harm, that’s when parents need to step in. The first step is recognizing the signs. And the second step? Be supportive, and get them the help they need.
Self-Harm is Growing Among Young People
Self-harm among adolescents is growing in incidence, with one international study by The Hospital for Sick Children finding a steady rise in healthcare visits and hospitalization due to self-injury in individuals younger than 24. The study saw a 3.5% rise in self-injury visits annually, a trend that has been sustained over the past 25 years. This number may not seem like much at first, until you realize that it’s been cumulative for more than two decades. That means more and more teens are turning to self-injury as a way of coping.
The steepest increases were observed among young girls, who may be disproportionately impacted by societal pressures, increasing screen time, and other factors contributing to distress.
Signs of Self-Harm
According to experts from Clearfork Academy in Texas, the most obvious signs of self-harm are unexplained cuts, bruises, or marks on the skin, especially if they appear in clusters, if new injuries are found in the same location alongside older injuries, or if the wounds appear too deliberate and uniform to be accidental. Common sites of injuries include the arms, wrists, thighs, and torso, but wounds may also appear on the upper back, shoulders, and hips.
Teens will often attempt to hide evidence of self-harm; dismissive or defensive behavior over wounds, wearing concealing clothing even in warm weather, and withdrawal from family and friends should all be causes for concern. Additionally, rejection sensitivity or disproportionately extreme reactions to stress are also things you should note, as teens who self-harm typically struggle with emotional regulation.
Supporting Your Child Through Mental Health Struggles
Because teenagers may turn to self-injury as a coping mechanism, Clearfork Academy and other teen mental health specialists stress the importance of approaching your child calmly and from a place of compassion and understanding, rather than accusation. That means ensuring that you practice active listening, validate your teen’s emotions, and make it clear that they are not being punished.
If the teen confirms they are self-harming, you should consider seeking professional care, as your child is likely struggling with mental illness. Licensed therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health and NSSI can help the teen address their mental health issues and adopt healthier coping strategies.
You really need to act fast if your teen’s wounds are severe or if they have expressed suicidal thoughts. Contact a crisis line or a residential teen treatment center if that’s the case. You may save your teen’s life.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
