Understanding Teen Self-Harm
Self-harm, also known as self-injury or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), refers to deliberately hurting oneself without the intent to die. This behavior is surprisingly common among teenagers, with studies suggesting that approximately 15-20% of adolescents have engaged in self-harm at least once. It's crucial to understand that self-harm is not attention-seeking behavior, but rather a sign of deep emotional distress.
Teens who self-harm often describe it as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, numbness, or psychological pain. Common forms include cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, or other methods of causing physical pain. While self-harm may provide temporary relief from emotional distress, it ultimately creates more problems and can become addictive, making it difficult to stop without professional help.
Self-harm often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, or borderline personality traits. It's important to note that while self-harm is not a suicide attempt, teens who self-harm are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, making professional intervention essential.
Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Common Warning Signs
- —— Unexplained cuts, bruises, burns, or scars
- —— Wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather
- —— Possession of sharp objects without clear purpose
- —— Withdrawal from friends and activities
- —— Expressing feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- —— Difficulty handling emotions or rejection
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a teen's risk for self-harm, including experiencing trauma or abuse, struggling with identity or sexuality issues, perfectionism and high self-criticism, difficulty expressing emotions verbally, peer influence or exposure to self-harm, and family conflict or instability. Understanding these risk factors helps us provide targeted support and intervention.
Our Treatment Approach
Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a thorough assessment to understand the underlying causes of self-harm, including any co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma history, and environmental factors. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes, not just the behavior.
Evidence-Based Therapies
We utilize proven therapeutic approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is particularly effective for self-harm, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and family therapy. DBT skills training focuses on distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness – all crucial for replacing self-harm with healthy coping strategies.
Safety Planning and Support
We work with teens to develop comprehensive safety plans, identifying triggers, warning signs, and alternative coping strategies. Our team provides ongoing support and monitoring, ensuring teens have the tools and resources they need to stay safe while working toward recovery.
Building a Life Worth Living
Developing Healthy Coping Skills
A core focus of our treatment is helping teens develop a toolkit of healthy coping strategies to replace self-harm. This includes mindfulness and grounding techniques, creative expression through art or music, physical activities and movement, journaling and emotional expression, and building strong support networks. We help teens discover what works best for them individually.
Family Involvement
Family support is crucial in recovery from self-harm. We provide education to help families understand self-harm, teach communication strategies to reduce conflict, and offer guidance on how to support their teen's recovery journey. Our parent support groups provide a space for families to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Self-harm is often a symptom of deeper emotional pain or unresolved trauma. Our integrated approach addresses these underlying issues through individual therapy, group support, and specialized interventions. By healing the root causes, we help teens find lasting relief and develop resilience.
Hope and Recovery
Recovery from self-harm is possible. With proper treatment and support, teens can learn to manage difficult emotions without hurting themselves. Our program focuses on building self-worth, improving relationships, and creating a vision for a positive future. We celebrate each step forward and provide ongoing support throughout the recovery journey.
You Are Not Alone
If your teen is struggling with self-harm, please know that help is available and recovery is possible. Our compassionate team understands the complexity of self-harm and provides judgment-free support. We're here to help your teen develop healthier ways to cope with emotional pain and build a life filled with hope and purpose.
Take the First Step
If you're concerned about your teen's self-harm, don't wait to seek help. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes. Our team is here to provide the specialized care your teen needs in a safe, supportive environment. Contact us today to learn more about our teen self-harm treatment program and how we can help your family begin the journey toward healing.
Longmont
