Understanding Self-Injury in Troubled Teens

Self-injury is usually repetitive behavior, occurring multiple times, rather than just once. It may be painful or not, largely depending on the person's state of mind at the time. The most frequent targets of self-injury are the arms, legs and front of the torso, as these areas can be easily reached and easily hidden under clothing. But any area of the body may be subjected to self-injury.

Signs and symptoms of cutting
People who cut are often ashamed of their behavior but feel unable to stop. They may seek help only after their secret is exposed to others. Those who believe someone they know may be cutting can look for several signs. The wounds themselves are likely to be small, straight cuts that appear more deliberate and precise than a cat scratch or accidental scrape. Besides the discovery of physical evidence or an admission of the problem, additional signs of cutting include:

• Frequent injuries with suspicious excuses

 

• Inappropriate clothing worn to conceal the skin (e.g., long sleeves in warm weather)

 

• Blood stains on clothing

 

• Long periods of isolation, after which new injuries appear

 

• Knife or razor in purse or book bag

 

• Difficulty talking about feelings

 

• Relationship problems

 

• Poor functioning at home, at work, or in school

 

• Low self-esteem, extreme self-criticism

Risk Factors and Causes of Self-Injury
Recent statistics reveal that there are certain patterns regarding self-injury. While the reasons are not clearly understood, the following factors have been linked to an increased risk of self-injury:

• Age. Self-injury often starts in the early teen years when emotions are more volatile and children face increasing peer pressure, loneliness and conflicts with parents or other authority figures.

 

• Gender.... More>>

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