10 warning signs of self-harm in teenagers: how to help them – Online Psychologists

The self-harm are intentional self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, burning, or hitting oneself.

Although they may be an iAttempt to get attention or ask for helpcan also be a form of coping or Managing stress and difficult emotionsSelf-harm is a serious mental health issue and can be a sign that someone is suffering inside.

Teens may self-harm for a variety of reasons. Some do it as a form of escape or to relieve emotional pain, while others do it as a way to express their pain or frustration.

Some common risk factors include substance abuse, bullying, trauma, stress, and anxiety. According to a 2018 study titled “Risk Factors for Self-Harm in Adolescents: A Systematic Review” (Kosmac et al., 2018), there are also Evidence that adolescents who have friends or family members who self-harm are at increased risk of doing so themselves.

If you suspect that a teen you know is self-harming, or if you yourself are a teen who self-harms, it is important to seek professional help.

Mental health professionals, such as psychologists or therapists, can help treat the underlying causes of self-harm and provide stress and emotion management techniques to help prevent future episodes.

According to a 2017 study titled “Treating self-harm in adolescents: a review of the evidence» (Fawcett et al., 2017), psychological treatment, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of self-harm in adolescents.

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Social isolation is a major risk factor for self-harm in adolescents. According to a 2018 study titled “Social isolation as a risk factor for self-harm in adolescents» (Hwang et al., 2018), adolescents who experience social isolation are at increased risk for self-harm.

The study evaluated more than 2,000 adolescents and found that Social isolation was independently associated with increased risk of self-harmeven after controlling for other risk factors such as borderline personality disorder and depression.

Participants completed a questionnaire about their patterns of social isolation, their symptoms of mental disorders, and their self-harm behaviors. The researchers also collected demographic information, such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. The researchers used this data to assess the relationship between social isolation and the risk of self-harm in adolescents.

Teenagers can be prone to mood swings and unpredictable behavior, but if you notice extreme or persistent changes in a teen's behavior, it could be a sign of more serious mental health issues.

These changes may include unusual aggression, irritability, or significant changes in sleep patterns or appetite.

If a teen who used to be active and involved begins to withdraw and lose interest in things he or she used to enjoy, or if a teen who used to be quiet and reserved begins to engage in impulsive or dangerous behaviors, it is important to seek professional help.

Negative self-talk or attitude can be a sign of mental health problems, such as depression or borderline personality disorder, in teens.

According to a 2016 study titled “Self-Image and Self-Concept in Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder: Comparison with Adolescents without Mental Disorders” (Wojcik et al., 2016), adolescents with borderline personality disorder have a more negative self-image and self-concept than adolescents without mental disorders.

Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental disorder characterized by emotional instability and negative self-thinking.

This negative attitude towards oneself is exemplified by phrases such as:

If a teen frequently talks about death or shows an unusual interest in the topic, he or she may be struggling with serious mental health issues.

This could include suicidal thoughts or fantasies about death. If a teen talks openly about suicide or says things like “I don’t want to live anymore,” it’s important to take this seriously and seek immediate help.

If a teen who used to get good grades or was a dedicated worker starts to struggle to maintain their performance or misses days of work, they could be struggling with mental health issues. Attention problems, lack of motivation, or social isolation can negatively affect performance.

Physical signs of self-harm, such as cuts or burns, can be an obvious sign that a teen is self-harming. However, it's important to note that many people who self-harm try to hide it and can be very good at covering up the signs. Therefore, it's important to be on the lookout for any unusual changes in a teen's behavior or mood and take any signs of potential mental health issues seriously.

If you notice scars or injuries that don't have a clear explanation or if a teen refuses to explain how they got hurt, it's important to take it seriously and seek professional help. Some people who self-harm may have difficulty expressing their emotions appropriately and may use self-harm as a way to cope with stress or difficult emotions. It's important to remember that self-harm is not a long-term solution and can make things worse in the long run.

If you think a teenager you know is self-harming, it's important to take it seriously and offer support. Here are some things you can do:

If you are a teen who self-harms, it is important to remember that help is available and you are not alone. You can talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support and help in overcoming this struggle. Remember, self-harm is not a long-term solution and can make things worse in the long run.