Finding out that your teen has been self-harming can be distressing or overwhelming. Sometimes a parent’s first response is disbelief. There’s a common misconception that self-harm behaviors are simply a cry for attention, but this misunderstanding can overlook the deeper emotional struggles teens may be facing. Deliberate, non-suicidal injury is called Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). It’s different from suicidal behavior but increases suicide risk over time. It’s important not to jump to conclusions.
This idea is harmful because it dismisses the person’s true feelings. Most of the time, it’s not true, and self-harm behaviors are a way of coping with emotional pain, numbness, loneliness, or other overwhelming experiences. Suggesting that they are seeking attention could make them feel misunderstood and unsupported at a time when they need your compassion the most. .
If your teen is experiencing a crisis, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
The idea that your child may be experiencing emotional pain or otherwise struggling may not be easy for you to consider. However, to get your child the help they need, you may need to set your emotions aside temporarily to get a good understanding of what’s happening. Then you can find helpful solutions and process what you’re feeling on your own time.
There are many possible reasons why your teen may have turned to self-harm behaviors. In this article, we’ll talk about seven examples.
7 reasons teens may turn to self-harm
Teens today are dealing with more anxiety and depression than previous generations. This is partly because of far-reaching social issues like civil unrest, violence in schools or global crises.
It also has roots close to home: academic and social pressure, bullying, comparing oneself to others, and even financial struggles can weigh on a teen, too. If they’re dealing with a personal loss or a major life change on top of these things, it can become too much to bear.
Helping your child through this tough time will require you and their other care providers to listen without judging and try to see things from their perspective. The following are seven reasons why teens may start self-harming:
Emotional regulation difficulties
Self-harm may be a response to one of two emotional extremes: intense feelings that are too much to cope with or numbness and emptiness. Some teens may use physical pain as a way to express or cope with emotional pain.
Struggling with identity and self-worth
Sometimes, self-harm is a way of punishing oneself for perceived failures or an expression of low self-worth. Your teen may be judging themself harshly or have difficulty with self-compassion.
Feeling out of control
If your teen is feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure, social pressure, high expectations, or perfectionism, self-harm may be their way of trying to gain some control.
Processing trauma or difficult life experiences
Sometimes, self-harm is a response to a recent trauma or past unresolved trauma. If your teen has been abused or had an experience that made them feel unsafe, you may not know about it.
Experiencing a mental health condition
Self-harm may be a symptom of an underlying mental health disorder.
Feeling alone or misunderstood
Whatever your teen is dealing with right now, if they don’t have anyone they trust to confide in, feelings of loneliness can compound, making them feel worse.
Peer influence and social contagion
Some peers or media content may unintentionally normalize self-harm behaviors. Talk with them about discerning messages that may be manipulative or dangerous.
What to do if your teen is struggling with self-harm
Self-harm behaviors should always be taken seriously. They’re almost never an empty ploy for attention, but rather a serious indication that a person needs help.
If your teen has hurt themselves or if they’re talking about hurting themselves, you have a few options. You can call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or seek emergency services. It may also be a good idea to talk with their doctor.
Once your teen has expressed ideas about self-harm or engaged in these behaviors, you should help them seek treatment and work with their care providers to create a safety plan.
This might include resources to call, activities to help them cope while you wait for them to get help, and trusted friends or family members who can help when you’re not available or when you need a break.You may also need to secure potentially lethal objects, such as firearms or medications.
Lightfully Teen programs help teens and families affected by self-harm
At Lightfully Teen, we offer comprehensive mental health treatment for young people aged 12 to 17. We have three levels of mental health care to meet your family’s needs every step of the way.
Each teen receives a personalized treatment plan as part of our Precision Care Model (PCM). The first step is an in-depth assessment with one of our licensed clinicians. They’ll make specific treatment recommendations and work with you to create a plan that works for your family.
We know parents and family members play an important role in helping each teen maintain good mental health. That’s why we encourage active participation in your teen’s treatment. Each treatment plan includes individual, group, and family therapy sessions to help your child build a strong support system.
Are you exploring higher levels of mental health care for a teen who’s struggling with self-harm? Contact us or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to schedule your teen’s assessment today.
