Cutting & Self-Mutilation in Teens

A large misconception in our society today is that teens who cut or self mutilate are trying to kill themselves. Self-mutilation is a deliberate act to harm one’s own body, without the intention to cause death. The act is often followed by a sense of immediate relief, but even when the stressful situation is removed from one’s life, the tendency to self ­mutilate is not alleviated.

Those who attempt suicide actually have the intent to kill themselves with accompanying thoughts of death and dying. Suicidal teens also tend to improve when they are removed from stressful situations, whereas self mutilators do not.

The basic characteristics of self mutilators are also different from those who attempt suicide. Self ­mutilators are typically adolescent females, middle to upper-middle class, and of above-average intelligence. Those who attempt suicide are from all socioeconomic classes and a wider age range. Females more typically attempt suicide, but males generally have a higher success rate.

 

Common conditions that indicate self ­mutilation in teens are:

  • Cutting, burning, biting, hitting body parts with objects or against a wall

  • Castration, amputation, bone-breaking, hair pulling, or picking at sores

  • Using knives, cigarettes, lighters, safety pins, earrings, fingernails, barrettes, pencils, pens or razor blades to hurt oneself

  •  Attending school with long sleeves and pants on a hot day, or if more attention-seeking, rolling up sleeves to show classmates the self-mutilation

  •  Difficulty expressing emotions

  •  Dislikes self and body

 

Treatment for teens who self-mutilate includes a combination of:

  •  Physician involvement

  •  Psychiatric evaluation

  •  Individual and group psychotherapy

In addition, family therapy is essential to assist parents in dealing with their teen’s behaviors and learning how to communicate better with each other.

 

Unfortunately, this behavior has become more common. Because there is always a risk that teens may unintentionally go too far with this behavior and cause serious damage, it is imperative to seek out treatment if you suspect that your teen may be cutting. Avenues of Counseling and Mediation is here to provide guidance and care for your teen and for you. Connect with one of the counselors at our Medina or Akron, Ohio locations to get started.

Nicki Masters