Children and Self-Harm:
What Parents Need to Know

The idea that your child may be engaging in self-harming behaviors can be very frightening. While you may not want to think about it, knowing more about warning signs and what you can do to help can be beneficial. Self-injuring behavior may include cutting, severe scratching, mutilating the skin with sharp objects, biting, poisoning, and more. Self-injury occurs among 14 to 21 percent of children, teens, and young adults. Self-harm in children and young adults is also linked to low self-esteem and depression, bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

Spotting the Warning Signs of Self-Harm in Your Child

Children and teenagers who hurt themselves do so in secrecy, which is often the main indication that something is wrong. While it is expected for teens to pull away from parents when they are highly involved with friends or experiencing stress, it may not be healthy for them to be physically and emotionally withdrawn for long periods of time. Though self-harming behavior can be dangerous, the actions do not necessarily indicate suicidal thoughts or attempts to end life.

The following may be signs of self-injury:

Unexplained cuts or burn marks on different parts of the body, particularly on the arms, legs, and abdomen
Presence of sharp objects, such as razors, blades, and knives, in your child’s possession
Prolonged periods of withdrawal or isolation, particularly in the bathroom or bedroom
Changes in eating habits, such as deliberate starvation or binge eating
Excessive exercising
Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather with the intention to hide the body marks
Unhygienic practices, such as refusal to bathe or brush teeth

Common Reasons Why Children Self-Harm

It is estimated that around 10 percent of young people harm themselves at some point. Knowing the signs can help you understand the underlying origins and allow you to respond better.

Self-harm in children is often an attempt to manage overwhelming emotions caused by the following:

Social problems—may include bullying, academic difficulties, relationship conflicts with family or friends, sexual orientation, cultural adjustments, etc.
Traumatic experiences—may be in the form of physical or sexual abuse, death of a loved one, or a violent event.

Mental Health Symptoms—self injury can occur in conjunction is mental health diagnoses or symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.

These triggers can cause intense feelings of anger, hopelessness, guilt, and self-hatred. If not addressed properly, the emotions can build up, triggering possible self-harm to release the pent-up emotions.

Discovering Your Child Is Self-Injuring

Learning that your child is engaging in self-harming behavior can be scary. Your initial reaction may be shock that your child is intentionally hurting themselves. You may also deny the behavior, as your memory conjures the image of a happy child, until the realization hits you that your child may be in emotional distress.

It’s a valid feeling to be angry or frustrated with the fact that your child has lied or hid the truth from you. You may feel guilty for not noticing the change in your child’s behavior or for disregarding it as part of the growing process. At the end of the day, you may try to grasp how your child feels to help you understand their experience better. Finally, you may blame yourself if you think you have not offered enough love and attention to your child.

Help Is Available

The good news is that self-harm can be treated with proper intervention. Resolving self-harm in children doesn’t require hospitalization unless the conduct is so severe it endangers their life or safety. Self-harm is generally not a sign of suicidal intent, but a struggle to overcome emotional pain; counseling can help to treat self-harming behavior in children.

Take the first step toward seeking help for your child at Carolina Counseling Services — Pittsboro, NC. Early intervention can lead to earlier recovery. Call CCS today to schedule your child’s first appointment.