Self-Harm
Self-harm refers to a person harming themselves as a way to cope with their own emotional pain or anger. In this manner, self-injury isn’t always done with suicidal purpose. However, it can lead to life-threatening injuries. Self-harm is often done by cutting, scratching, or burning one’s self and can be incredibly addicting.
What to Look for in Your Teen
As a parent, you naturally love your teen and want to protect them from everything bad in the world. Yet, there may be times you may need to protect them from themselves. Take action if you notice these signs:
- Pattern-like scars
- Frequent appearances of cuts, scratches, and bruises
- Excessive rubbing in a particular area that creates a burn
- Habitually wearing long sleeves or pants, even during warmer weather
- Instability and unpredictability in terms of behavior and emotions
- Statements of worthlessness
Different Types of Self Harm
- Cutting
- Scratching
- Burning
- Hitting their own bloody or head banging
- Piercing their own skin without professional tools or help
How to Respond to a Self-Harming Teen
- Call 911 if it is a life-threatening situation.
- Go to the ER if your teen requires immediate medical attention.
- Talk to your family doctor about options that can help regulate their emotions.
- Encourage your teen to use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Seek therapeutic treatment.
How Can Turn-About Ranch Help?
Teens who self-harm typically have poor coping skills and difficulty managing their emotions. At Turn-About Ranch, we give teenagers an environment where they can learn and practice these must-have coping and emotional management skills. Strict supervision, counseling, and medical support help us keep students safe as they learn as they learn better ways to cope with life’s struggles. They’ll be encouraged and guided through the learning process by professional mentors who truly care about their success.