6 Warning Signs of Self-Harm in Teens That Parents Should Know

Self-harm is a pervasive issue among teenagers in the United States, and indeed, a cause of concern for many parents. But how do you know if your teen is self-harming? Youth mental health experts like Clearfork Academy say that there are plenty of signs, and recognizing them is just as important as how you approach your child about what they’re struggling with.

Visible Signs: Wounds & Sharp Objects

Of course, one of the most obvious signs of self-harm is unexplained wounds on the skin. These can appear as uniform scars, small burns, bruises, or scratch patterns and often occur in clusters of repeated injuries in the same location. The most common sites of self-injury are the arms and wrists, but teens may also inflict wounds on their torsos, thighs, hips, shoulders, and upper back.

Note that self-harming individuals usually keep the tool they use close at hand. If you search your teen’s room and discover dangerous objects hidden there, you have a strong case to suspect self-harm.

Behavioral Signs: Withdrawal, Emotional Regulation & Defensiveness

Teens who are self-harming typically have depression or other mental disorders, hence why they are self-harming in the first place—they often do it to cope with feelings and thoughts that are genuinely overwhelming them.

If you’re trying to figure out whether your teen is self-harming, look for other signs of depression, like social withdrawal. Teens who avoid social activities that they used to enjoy and no longer show interest in connecting with friends or family over an extended period of time are likely struggling, and you should treat the behavior as an indication of an unseen mental health issue.

Beyond visible wounds and social withdrawal, self-harming individuals may wear concealing clothing even in warm weather and refuse to remove accessories hiding their injuries or dress in clothes that expose their skin. While this isn’t definitive proof of self-harm, it should be considered a red flag when combined with other warning signs.

Finally, teens who self-harm often struggle with emotional regulation and may exhibit extreme reactions to stress or rejection. They also may become defensive, angry, or ashamed when asked about their wounds.

How to Help a Hurting Child

To help a self-harming teen, don’t try to force a confession out of them. Instead, approach them calmly and ask open-ended questions about their well-being. If the teen confirms they have been self-harming, seek professional aid from a therapist specializing in adolescent mental health. Self-harm is a severe mental disorder, and untrained families are rarely equipped to handle it on their own.

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