Why Do Teens Cut and What Can Parents Do To Help?

McLean Hospital Guest Blogger Michael R. Hollander, PhD Approximately 14 to 18 percent of high school students and between 12 to 35 percent of college students in the United States engage in some form of self-injurious behavior at least once. The age of onset often occurs in early adolescence, between the ages of 11 and 14. While self-harm is of serious concern for parents, families, and teachers, it's important to know that when the right approach and treatment is provided in a timely manner, this behavior is highly treatable. But kids who self-harm need treatment right away. Giving in to pleas for more time and delaying treatment can lead to further, more serious injury. While we often hear about the number of teens who engage in this behavior, the majority who are treated appropriately can go on to lead happy, healthy lives. Is an act of self-harm a form of suicide? Can it lead to suicide? This type of self-harm is known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which by definition is the deliberate, intentional damage to one's body tissue without the intention of dying. There is no intention of suicide, however, there can be a high correlation with suicide if self-injurious behavior goes untreated. Why do adolescents cut or engage in other self-harm activities? It's most often a way of trying to manage emotions. For example, when teens cut themselves, they will usually experience a sense of calmness. It also appears that the vast majority of teens who self-injure are thos...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news