Mind Over Matters - Self-Injury - Why Some Teens Hurt Themselves
A. Self-injury is when a person deliberately hurts his or her own body. Some self-injuries can leave permanent scars, while others leave marks or bruises that eventually go away. These are some forms of self-injury:
* Cutting yourself (i.e., using a razor blade, knife or other sharp object to cut the skin)
* Punching yourself or other objects
* Pulling your hair
* Poking objects through body openings
* Breaking your bones or bruising
Q. Why do some teens want to hurt themselves?
A. Some teens say that when they hurt themselves, they are trying to stop feeling lonely, angry, or hopeless. Some teens who hurt themselves have low self-esteem, they may feel unloved by their family and friends, and they may have an eating disorder, an alcohol or drug problem, or may have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.
Teens who hurt themselves often keep their feelings "bottled up" inside and have a hard time letting their feelings show. Some teens who hurt themselves say that feeling the pain provides a sense of relief. Still others hurt themselves because they want to be part of the "in" crowd.
If you are hurting yourself, please get help - talk to your parents, your doctor, or an adult you trust, like a teacher or minister. At the bottom of this page is a list of telephone numbers of organizations that can help you.
Q. Who are the people who hurt themselves?
A. Self-injurers come from all walks of life, regardless of their age, gender, race or ethnicity. About one in 100 people deliberately hurts himself or herself. More females than males do self-injury. Teens usually hurt themselves by cutting with sharp objects.
Q. What are the Signs of Self-Injury:
A. These are some signs of self-injury:
*Cuts or scars on the arms or legs
*Hiding cuts or scars by wearing long sleeved shirts or pants, even in hot weather
*Making poor excuses about how the injuries happened
Self-injury can be dangerous - cutting can lead to infections, scars, numbness, and even hospitalization and death. People who share tools to cut themselves are at risk of getting and spreading diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Teens who continue to hurt themselves are less likely to learn how to cope with negative feelings.
Q. Are you or a friend depressed, angry or having a hard time coping with life?
A. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, PLEASE ASK FOR HELP! Talk with an adult you trust, like a teacher or minister or doctor. There is nothing wrong with asking for help - everyone needs help sometimes. You can be strong, safe and happy!
Q. Have you been pressured to cut yourself by friends who do it?
A. If so, think about how much you value that friendship. Do you really want a friend who wants you to hurt yourself, cause you pain and put you in danger? Try to hang out with other friends who don't hurt themselves.
Q. Do you have a friend who hurts herself or himself?
A. Please try to get your friend to talk to a trusted adult. Your friend may need professional counseling and treatment. Help is available - counselors can teach how to cope positively with problems without turning to self-injury.
For more information
SAFE - Self Abuse Finally Ends
1-800-366-8288
http://www.safe-alternatives.com
http://www.focusas.com
