Some teenagers view their adolescent years as a carefree time to enjoy life and prepare for adulthood. However, for many, these years can be a period of significant emotional turmoil. Teenagers may face challenges they don’t know how to navigate, and for some, this leads to dangerous habits, one of the most concerning being self-harm. Cutting, in particular, is one of the most common forms of self-injury among teens today.
Recent studies indicate that 1 in 12 teens engage in self-harming behaviors like cutting. While girls are more likely to self-harm, boys make up 40% of these cases as well. Self-harm can have a significant and lasting impact on both the teen and their family, but with the right guidance and support, teens can heal and move forward.
Signs and Symptoms of Self-Harm in Teens
When it comes to recognizing self-harm, it’s important to look beyond stereotypes. Many believe that only certain types of teens, like those who identify with specific subcultures, engage in self-harming behaviors. In reality, any teenager—no matter their background—can be at risk. It’s important to be vigilant for any signs that your teen may be struggling.
Some signs to watch out for include:
- Covering Up: Your teen may wear long-sleeved shirts or long pants, even in warm weather, to hide cuts or scars on their body.
- Withdrawal: If your once social teen becomes increasingly withdrawn, avoids family time, or pulls away from their friends, this can be a red flag.
- Isolation: Spending more time alone, especially in private spaces like their bedroom or bathroom, can be a sign of emotional distress.
- Unexplained Objects: Finding items like razor blades or sharp objects among your teen’s belongings could be a sign they’re using them to harm themselves.
What Do Teens Cut?
There are several factors that can lead a teen to begin cutting. Most often, it is a way for them to cope with intense, overwhelming emotions. For teens struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, self-harm can serve as a way to temporarily relieve emotional pain or confusion. However, it can also result from a range of other triggers, including:
- Emotional Pain: Teens may turn to cutting because physical pain feels easier to handle than the emotional distress they’re experiencing.
- Thrill-Seeking: Some teens engage in self-harm as a form of risk-taking or an attempt to feel something, especially when they feel numb or disconnected.
- Social Struggles: Teens who struggle with school, lack positive social attention, or don’t feel respected by peers may be more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors.
How Parents Can Help
If you suspect your teen is self-harming, the first step is to approach the situation with understanding and empathy. Avoid being judgmental, as this can cause them to shut down or withdraw further. Instead, offer support by gently initiating a conversation about their feelings, letting them know you are there for them no matter what.
Here are some additional steps you can take:
- Seek Professional Help: Mental health professionals can work with your teen to address the underlying causes of their self-harm. Therapy and counseling can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Let your teen know they are loved, understood, and not alone. Emotional support is crucial in their healing process.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: Help your teen find positive outlets for their emotions, such as engaging in sports, hobbies, or creative activities that allow them to express themselves in healthier ways.
Lakeside Academy Treatment and Programs
At Lakeside Academy, we understand the pain and frustration that comes with seeing a child struggle with self-harm. Our goal is to help teens realize their full potential and guide them away from self-destructive behaviors.
For teens who may be engaging in cutting or other forms of self-harm, our programs provide specialized care. When a teen joins us, we start by assessing their emotional and mental health needs, including any history of self-harming behaviors. This ensures that they get the immediate support they need, from one-on-one counseling to group therapy sessions, so they can begin their healing journey right away.
Our campus setting fosters a sense of community among the boys. They live in dormitories, sharing rooms with others, which helps them build relationships and opens the door to communication. Boys often feel comfortable discussing their struggles with each other in a supportive environment. However, for those who may have ongoing struggles with cutting, we ensure they have access to appropriate mental health care, while also monitoring their safety throughout their time here.
If you are concerned about your teen’s safety or well-being, and self-harm is an ongoing issue, it’s important to act quickly. Lakeside Academy is committed to providing a foundation for your son’s emotional growth and offering guidance on how to move past these harmful behaviors. We provide a structured environment designed to help teens build resilience, understand their emotions, and develop the coping skills needed for lasting change.
Take Action Today: Reach Out to Lakeside Academy
If your teen is struggling with self-harm, don’t wait to seek help. At Lakeside Academy, we are here to support both you and your son during this challenging time. Our expert staff is dedicated to ensuring your teen gets the care they need to work through their challenges and emerge stronger.
Contact our admissions office today to learn more about our programs and how we can help your son overcome self-destructive behaviors and get back on the path to a healthy, successful future.