Helping Teens Overcome Self-Harm
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Helping Teens Overcome Self-Harm

  • Sep 28
  • 2 min read
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Understanding Teen Self-Harm: What It Means, Why It Happens, and How Parents Can Help

Teen self-harm is more common than many parents realize—and often, it's hidden. Behind long sleeves, vague excuses, and quiet behavior, some teens are struggling with emotional pain they don’t know how to talk about. As a parent, knowing the signs and understanding why this happens can make a world of difference.


What Is Self-Harm?

Self-harm (also known as non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI) is when someone intentionally hurts their body to cope with emotional pain, stress, or intense feelings. This can include:

  • Cutting the skin with sharp objects

  • Burning, scratching, or hitting oneself

  • Biting, punching walls, or pinching

  • Carving symbols or words into the skin

  • Swallowing harmful substances

  • Refusing to eat as a way to punish themselves or regain control


Why Do Teens Self-Harm?

Self-harm is often a way to deal with overwhelming emotions when teens feel like they have no other outlet. Reasons might include:

  • To release intense emotional pain

  • To feel something when they feel numb

  • To regain a sense of control

  • To communicate distress when words are too hard to find

Research shows that nearly 1 in 4 teens may self-harm at some point, though the real number may be higher—many teens hide it well.


How Self-Harm Affects Teens—and Families

Self-harm doesn’t just hurt the teen—it impacts the whole family. Parents may feel shocked, scared, confused, or even guilty. It’s important to know: this is not your fault, and your teen is not doing this to get attention.

What your teen needs most is a calm, nonjudgmental response.


How Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Helps Reduce Self‑Harm

One of the most effective treatments for self-harm is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT teaches teens skills to manage emotions in healthy ways. A version called DBT for Adolescents (DBT-A) has helped many teens reduce or stop self-harming.

Recommended DBT-informed strategies include:- Mindfulness of emotion without judgment- Distress tolerance: safe alternatives like journaling, walking, squeezing ice, using a stress ball- Emotion regulation: identifying and naming feelings to reduce their intensity- Interpersonal effectiveness: asking for help in calm and direct ways


When to Seek Professional Help—And Immediate Resources

Self-harm is a cry for help—not just a phase. If you suspect your child is self-harming, act immediately:- Contact 911 in case of immediate danger.- Reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for urgent mental health support.- Seek professionals who specialize in adolescent mental health or DBT.- Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOP) is another option for group DBT- Consider inpatient treatment, school counselor support, or a trusted therapist.


Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone

Watching your child struggle is heartbreaking—but you're not powerless. By staying connected, informed, and compassionate, you can help guide your teen toward healing and healthier coping skills.

Start the conversation. Listen without judgment. And don’t hesitate to seek professional support—early intervention can change everything.


Contact New Path Psychiatry


 
 
 
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