Preventing Self-harm in Teens: A Guide for Appropriate Intervention

Did you know that teens have the highest rate of self-harm among any age demographic, with approximately 17% of teens reporting at least one instance of self-harm in their lifetime and shockingly that the average age of the first incident of self-harm is 13?

Why do teens self-harm?

Many teens who engage in self-harm do so because they are grappling with difficult emotions that they are unable to healthily manage. Self-harm may provide such teens with a feeling of distraction or release, or may be a means of acting out frustration. Additionally, in some cases, teens may self-harm as a means of demonstrating their pain or stress to prompt help from others.

What is considered self-harm?

Self-harm can be carried out through many different means. Virtually any act in which someone intentionally causes harm to themselves can be considered self-harm. Some acts that can be considered self-harm include:

• Cutting yourself
• Punching yourself
• Punching other objects
• Slapping yourself
• Burning yourself
• Pulling out your hair
• Pinching yourself
• Poking yourself with sharp objects
• Breaking bones

Potential signs of self-harm

Someone who is engaging in self-harm can exhibit a wide range of further warning signs. Such warning signs can include:

• Visible injuries: This is particularly concerning if the person has consistent injuries that do not appear accidental — they may even be found on the same area of the body. This may include injuries such as cuts, burns and bruises.
• Constantly wearing clothes that cover the skin: This is particularly concerning if the individual wears such clothing even when it is inappropriate for the weather or situation. This may include attire such as long pants, long sleeves and scarves.
• Unusual reactions: The individual may react strangely to various situations, e.g. becoming highly defensive for no obvious reason. They may also demonstrate unusual or sudden changes in mood, body language, or reactions to physical touch.
• Various signs of underlying mental illness: In many cases of self-harm, mental illness is a contributing factor. As such, in many cases, warning signs for self-harm will be the same as warning signs for underlying mental illnesses, e.g. loss of interest in previously loved activities in the case of depression.

However, it is important to keep in mind that warning signs may be highly subtle or virtually non-existent. As such, families and educators need to stay highly engaged with the teens that they are responsible for and check in with them regularly about their well-being.

Treatments for self-harm

Ideally, treatment for self-harm should start with intervention and evaluation with a licensed psychologist. Going forward, this professional can help the individual develop a combination of treatments that suits their unique needs. Treatments for self-harm can include the following:

• Psychological evaluation: A psychological evaluation should be the first step in treating self-harm behaviours. This evaluation will determine what the underlying causes are and what treatment options may be most useful going forward.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This is a type of talk therapy conducted by a licensed psychiatrist or licensed therapist that is aimed at understanding and managing behaviours.
• Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT): This is a type of CBT that is focused on emotional regulation. The main goals of this type of therapy are to teach people how to live in the moment, cope with stress and improve relationships with themselves and others.
• Alternative therapy options: There are many alternative therapeutic outlets that people may benefit from, such as wilderness therapy and creative expression. While these can be beneficial, it is important to pursue them in conjunction with more traditional forms of therapy rather than in place of it.
• Medical intervention: In some cases, medication may be a vital component of effective treatment. This can be prescribed by a doctor or a local licensed psychologist. Prescription of medication may occur during the psychological evaluation process.

You must research the background and specializations of any professionals that you plan to work with to ensure that you are on the same page and they are properly qualified.

Guest post by Zocdoc – to read the full article with additional information about Underlying conditions, Contributing experiences, Long-term risks of untreated self-harming behaviours, Strategies for loved ones, Utilizing school support systems, Hotlines and support organizations please go to https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/preventing-self-harm-in-teens-a-guide-for-appropriate-intervention/