How to Help Teenagers Who Cut Themselves in the Stress

It will be hard to imagine why anyone would want to cut themselves or hurt themselves intentionally. And for parents who discover their teenager is participating in self-injury, it will be confusing, terrifying, and downright frustrating.

As per the girls residential school in dehradun, Self-harm will be fairly common among teenagers. Studies consistently estimate that 15 to 20% of teenagers hurt themselves at one time or another. Luckily, with support, most teens learn healthier coping skills and stop self-injury.

Why Do Teenagers Cut Themselves?

Teenagers who hurt themselves aren't crazy, and their self-injury doesn't mean they're self-destructive. Instead, it just means that they're having trouble dealing with their pain in a healthy manner.

The physical act of wounding their bodies provides a temporary sense of emotional relief. A teenager who cuts himself (or burns himself) begins to specialize in the injury as the reason for the pain.

It additionally provides a way of control. A teenager who engages in self-injury is probably going to feel like he will control the pain better. Additionally, the injury releases endorphins into the blood, that also provides a brief boost of mood.

So a stressed-out teenager might cut her arms as the simplest way to relieve stress. Or a teenager who is troubled to deal with a breakup might cut his chest as the simplest way to experience physical pain, as opposed to just emotional grief.

How to facilitate a teenager who is self-harms

You can see scratches or cuts on a teenager who is participating in self-injury. You might notice bandages or your teenager may wear long sleeves or cover her body even once it's hot outside.

If you think your teenager is deliberately injuring herself, it's vital to intervene. These steps will assist you in starting a discussion and finding her the professional help she desires.

1. Raise your teenager directly if she is engaging in self-harm. Typically the direct approach is the most effective. Be clear that your goal is to assist her, to not judge or punish ask, "Did you make those cuts on your arms on purpose?" or "Are you hurting yourself?"

2. Acknowledge your teen's pain. Telling a teenager to prevent or passing judgment won't be effective. Validate her feelings and specific concern that she should be feeling very dangerous if she is hurting herself.

3. Establish activities your teenager will do once she feels the urge to harm herself. Calling a best friend, going for a walk, or drawing are simply some possible activities that might facilitate your teenager to express her feelings in a healthier method.

4. Take steps to change your teens' self-harming behavior. Consult with your child's specialist to gain a referral to a therapist. A mental health professional will teach your teenager healthier ways in which to control her emotions.

5. Facilitate your teenager to create a list of individuals to speak to. Talking to trustworthy friends and family will assist her to cope with stress and reduce her self-injury. Make a list of caring adults your teenager will reach out to, like a grandparent, auntie or uncle, friends' parents, or neighbors that your teen will confide in.

6. Be patient with your teenager. Self-harming behavior takes the time to develop and can take time to change. It's ultimately up to the teenager to create the choice to assist herself.

With early identification, support from her parents and professional help, she will successfully stop self-harming.

This article is contributed by Ecole Globale girls boarding school.