Self-injury in adolescence

Self-injury is the deliberate damage of one's body, sometimes done to alter one's emotional state. Various social groups and cultural groups have different perspectives on self-harm. Recently, the practice has grown in popularity, especially among teens. Self-harm can have several causes and degrees of severity. Some of the forms include:

Carving / Scratching

Branding / Marking

Skin and Hair Picking and Pulling

Burning?

Cutting / Biting

Head slamming

Bruising

Hitting / Tattooing

A lot of body jewelry

To take chances, rebel, express their uniqueness, reject their parents' morals, or just to fit in, some teenagers self-mutilate. Some people may harm themselves out of desperation or rage in an effort to attract attention, to demonstrate their worthlessness, or because they are contemplating suicide. These kids could have severe mental illnesses such bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis, or sadness. Additionally, some teenagers who self-harm could grow up to have borderline personality disorder. Some young children may engage in self-harming behaviors sometimes, but they frequently outgrow them. These behaviors can also be seen in kids who have developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, have been abused, or have been abandoned.

Why do teenagers harm themselves?

Self-injury is a complicated behavior and symptom that has several causes. Adolescents who find it difficult to express their emotions may resort to self-harming activities as a way of expressing their tension, anguish, and low self-esteem. Others may experience hurt, rage, fear, and hate after injuring themselves, even though some teenagers may feel that the steam in the pressure cooker has been released. Adolescents may hurt themselves due to peer pressure and contagious diseases. Although trends come and go, the majority of the wounds on the skin of adolescents will never heal. Teenagers occasionally conceal their scars, burns, and bruises out of embarrassment, rejection, or criticism regarding their physical appearance.

What can parents and adolescents do to prevent self-harm?

Parents are urged to have a conversation with their kids on how important it is to value and respect one's body. Parents should refrain from self-harm in order to set an example for their teenagers. Learning to: is one of the most effective techniques for teenagers to prevent self-harm.

Accept reality and seek out strategies for making the present more bearable.

Instead of acting on sentiments, name them and talk them out.

Distract from thoughts of self-harm by doing something else (for instance, counting to ten, waiting 15 minutes, telling yourself "No!" or "Stop!", doing breathing exercises, writing, painting, thinking of good pictures, using ice and rubber bands, etc.).

Consider the benefits and drawbacks of self-harm.

Self-soothe in a healthy, non-destructive manner

Use effective stress management techniques.

Improve your social abilities

A mental health professional's evaluation may help in locating and treating the root reasons of self-harm. Adolescents should get help right away if they feel like they want to die or harm themselves. A child and adolescent psychiatrist is also qualified to identify and manage the severe psychiatric conditions that may coexist with self-destructive behavior.