Self-Harm in Teenagers: Understanding and Responding to Cutting - Part 2

- Self-harm injuries that become infected - Accidental serious injury during self-harm episode - Loss of consciousness or severe weakness from blood loss Mental Health Crisis Indicators: - Expressions of wanting to die or kill themselves - Self-harm behaviors becoming more frequent or severe - Complete social withdrawal and inability to function - Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions - Substance use combined with self-harm behaviors - Giving away possessions or making final arrangements Immediate Response Steps: 1. Ensure physical safety - Seek medical attention for serious injuries 2. Stay calm and supportive - Your emotional regulation helps them feel safer 3. Don't leave them alone - Maintain supervision during crisis periods 4. Remove or secure potential self-harm tools - Make the environment safer 5. Contact crisis resources - Call 988 for immediate support 6. Seek professional help - Contact therapist, psychiatrist, or emergency services as appropriate Crisis Resources: - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 - Self-Injury Outreach & Support: Online resources and support communities - To Write Love on Her Arms: Crisis support and mental health resources - Local Emergency Rooms: For medical emergencies or safety concerns ### Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Self-Harm Q: Is self-harm the same as attempting suicide? A: No, self-harm (non-suicidal self-injury) typically doesn't involve intent to die. However, teens who self-harm are at higher risk for eventual suicidal behaviors, making professional help important. Q: Why would someone hurt themselves on purpose? A: Self-harm often serves as a coping mechanism for intense emotions, feeling numb, self-punishment, communication of distress, or gaining a sense of control. While maladaptive, it feels functional to the person doing it. Q: Is self-harm just attention-seeking behavior? A: While some teens may use self-harm to communicate distress, dismissing it as "attention-seeking" is harmful and inaccurate. Even if communication is involved, the underlying emotional pain is real and requires support. Q: Will removing all sharp objects prevent self-harm? A: While making the environment safer can be helpful, determined individuals can find ways to self-harm with various objects. The focus should be on addressing underlying emotional issues and developing healthy coping strategies. Q: Can self-harm become addictive? A: While not technically an addiction, self-harm can become a habitual coping mechanism that's difficult to stop. The temporary relief it provides can reinforce the behavior, making professional help important for developing alternatives. Q: Should I make my teen promise to stop self-harming? A: Promises to stop self-harm are often unrealistic and can increase shame when teens can't keep them. Focus instead on developing safety plans and healthy coping strategies with professional support. Q: How long does recovery from self-harm take? A: Recovery timelines vary depending on underlying factors and individual circumstances. Some teens may stop self-harming within months of beginning treatment, while others may need longer-term support to develop stable coping skills. Q: What if my teen's friends also self-harm? A: Peer influence can be significant with self-harm behaviors. While you can't control your teen's friendships, professional help can address peer pressure and help your teen develop resistance to harmful influences. Important Note: This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Self-harm behaviors require professional assessment and treatment. If you discover self-harm or are concerned about immediate safety, please contact mental health professionals or emergency services. Remember that self-harm behaviors typically indicate underlying emotional distress that can be effectively treated with appropriate professional support. Your discovery of self-harm, while alarming, creates an opportunity for your teenager to receive the help they need to develop healthier coping strategies and address the root causes of their emotional pain. Recovery is possible, and most teenagers who receive appropriate support can learn to manage difficult emotions without self-harm.