What To Do If Your Teen Is Harming Themselves: Mental Health Experts Weigh In

Mental health issues abound in a person’s teenage years, and some adolescents may not be able to handle them as well as others. In fact, more teens turn to self-harm to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, or loneliness than you think. Is your teen one of them? As a parent, experts say that there are signs that you should always recognize as a cause for concern.

Self-Harm Among Teens

The American Psychological Association estimates that around 17% of teenagers have engaged in self-harm at least once. In most cases, self-injury begins between ages 12 and 14, which Harvard Health Publishing attributes to a combination of the development of mental health challenges and greater risk-taking behaviors during adolescence.

It’s important to note that self-harm is not an indication of weakness in your teen, nor is it a failing of you as a parent. If it’s happening, it’s happening—don’t shy away from the truth, and don’t be afraid to talk to your teen about it.

Signs of Self-Harm

But how do you go about approaching your teen about such a sensitive topic? Firstly, you should expect some resistance; youth mental health experts like Clearfork Academy say that teens will often attempt to hide any indications of self-harm. That’s why recognizing the numerous signs is so important.

Of course, one of the most obvious signs is unexplained, similar-looking cuts, burns, or marks on the skin. These may appear as repeated injuries in the same location, fresh wounds alongside older scars of the same type, or wounds that are too uniform to be accidental. And if the teen gets defensive if they’re asked about them, take note—that usually means something is wrong.

A self-harming teen may also wear concealing clothing even during warm weather. While this is not definitive proof of an issue, if the habit occurs alongside other concerning behaviors, such as sudden social withdrawal and extreme reactions to stress or rejection—indications of depression and poor emotional regulation, respectively—you should consider assessing the state of your teen’s mental health.

Approaching Your Child

When approaching your child about self-harm, don’t immediately confront them; instead, choose a calm moment to ask an open-ended question that highlights your concern for their health. It’s best to start with something like, “How have you been feeling lately?” This emphasizes that you’re there to offer support, rather than mete out punishment.

If your teen confirms they have been engaging in self-injury, you should definitely seek professional help from licensed therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health and NSSI. The team at Clearfork Academy notes that self-harm arises from mental health issues and usually cannot be treated without aid, no matter how supportive your home environment is.

Clearfork Academy
City: Fort Worth
Address: 7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Website: https://clearforkacademy.com/
Phone: +1-888-430-5149
Email: info@clearforkacademy.com