Self-Harm Treatment
Self harm in teens is not uncommon but can be very disturbing. Many teens will try to keep their self harming a secret and for some it is a problem that has been developing or ongoing for many months, or even years.
Self-harm is an issue that impacts many teens and their families. If your child is engaging in self-injurious behaviors, you may feel confused, scared, and unsure of how to help.
At Beachside Teen, we offer compassionate, professional treatment designed to address the underlying causes of self-harm and provide your teen with the tools they need to heal and thrive. By understanding the behaviors, their motivations, and the available treatment options, you can take the first step toward supporting your teen on their path to recovery.
Why Do Teenagers Self-Harm?
Self-harm often serves as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions. Teenagers may feel pressure from academics, relationships, or social media, which can lead to stress, anxiety, or depression. For some, self-injury provides temporary relief from emotional pain, while others use it as a way to express feelings they cannot verbalize.
Common reasons teens self-harm include:
- Emotional regulation: A way to deal with anger, sadness, or frustration.
- A sense of control: When life feels chaotic, self-harm can provide a misplaced sense of control.
- Coping with trauma: Teens who have experienced abuse, bullying, or neglect may turn to self-harm as a way to manage unresolved trauma.
- Self-punishment: Feelings of guilt or low self-worth can lead some teens to harm themselves as a form of self-punishment.
Types of Self-Harm in Teens
Self-harm can take many forms, each with its own physical and emotional consequences. Understanding these behaviors can help parents recognize when their teen needs help.
Common types of self-harm include:
- Cutting or scratching the skin
- Burning or branding
- Hitting or punching oneself
- Pulling out hair (trichotillomania)
- Interfering with wound healing
- Ingesting harmful substances
While the methods may vary, all forms of self-harm signal emotional distress that requires attention and intervention.
When Is Self-Harm Treatment Needed?
It can be difficult to determine when a teen’s behavior has crossed the threshold into needing professional treatment. Self-harm is often hidden, making it crucial to look for patterns or warning signs.
Treatment is necessary when:
- Self-harm becomes frequent or severe.
- Your teen is unable to stop self-injurious behaviors on their own.
- They express feelings of hopelessness or suicidal ideation.
- The underlying causes, such as depression or trauma, remain unresolved.
Early intervention can prevent self-harm from escalating and help your teen develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Is Self-Harm A Mental Illness?
Self-harm itself is not classified as a mental illness. Instead, it is a behavior that often serves as a coping mechanism for emotional pain, stress, or psychological distress. While self-harm is not a standalone diagnosis, it is frequently a symptom or sign of deeper mental health challenges. Understanding the connection between self-harm and underlying conditions is crucial for providing effective treatment.
Disorders commonly associated with self-harm include:
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-worth can drive teens to engage in self-harm as a way to distract from or release their emotional pain.
- Anxiety: Persistent worry and feelings of being overwhelmed may lead some teens to use self-harm as a way to regain a sense of control or temporarily alleviate tension.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Teens with BPD often struggle with intense emotions, fear of abandonment, and impulsivity, making them more susceptible to self-harming behaviors.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma from events such as abuse, neglect, or loss can cause emotional dysregulation, leading teens to self-harm as a way to cope with unresolved feelings.
- Eating disorders: Conditions like anorexia nervosa or bulimia may include self-harm behaviors as part of a pattern of self-punishment or body-focused distress.
By addressing the root causes of self-harm, treatment provides a pathway for long-term relief. Through therapy and support, teens can explore the emotions and triggers driving their behavior.
For example:
- Treating depression through talk therapy, medication, or a combination of approaches can lift the emotional weight that drives self-harm.
- Using evidence-based strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety can teach teens to manage overwhelming thoughts and feelings in healthier ways.
- Trauma-focused therapies help teens process painful experiences linked to PTSD and build resilience against self-destructive behaviors.
It’s essential to recognize that self-harm is a cry for help rather than an attention-seeking act. Teens who self-harm are often looking for a way to express emotions they feel unable to communicate otherwise. Effective treatment validates their experiences, provides tools for emotional regulation, and supports their journey toward mental wellness.
What Are The Different Types of Self-Harm?
In addition to cutting or burning, other behaviors may also qualify as self-harm.
Recognizing these less-obvious forms of self-harm is essential to ensuring your teen receives appropriate support.
Physical Harm
Punching walls or banging one’s head against hard surfaces.
Over Exercising
Using extreme physical activity to cope with emotional pain.
Disordered Eating
Starving oneself or bingeing and purging as a form of self-punishment.
Signs and Symptoms of Self-Harm
Self-harm can often be hidden, but there are warning signs parents can look for, including:
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns.
- Wearing long sleeves or pants, even in warm weather.
- Finding sharp objects or bandages in their room.
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Low self-esteem or expressions of shame.
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
If you suspect your teen is engaging in self-harm, approach the conversation with compassion rather than judgment to encourage open communication.
Consequences of Self-Harm
While self-harm may provide temporary relief or a sense of control, it often comes with serious and long-lasting consequences. The physical and emotional toll of self-harm can worsen over time, especially if left unaddressed. Parents and guardians need to understand these risks to take timely action and support their teen’s recovery.
Some of the most common consequences of self-harm include:
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement: Repeated self-injury can leave visible scars, which may affect a teen’s self-esteem and serve as a constant reminder of their struggles. These physical marks can also lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
- Increased risk of infection or medical complications: Self-inflicted wounds, particularly those that are not properly cleaned or cared for, can become infected, leading to more severe health issues such as cellulitis or sepsis. In extreme cases, self-harm can result in accidental life-threatening injuries.
- Escalation to more dangerous behaviors: Over time, the need for relief may drive teens to engage in more severe forms of self-injury, increasing the risk of accidental death. Additionally, untreated self-harm can sometimes lead to suicidal ideation.
- Worsened mental health conditions: While self-harm might provide a short-term emotional outlet, it often intensifies feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation, contributing to the worsening of underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Beyond these immediate and long-term risks, self-harm can strain relationships with family and friends. Loved ones may feel helpless, hurt, or unsure of how to help, which can leave teens feeling even more isolated.
Addressing self-harm early is crucial to preventing these outcomes. With professional intervention and a supportive environment, teens can learn to cope with their emotions in healthier ways, reduce self-injurious behaviors, and begin the journey toward healing and recovery. Recognizing the signs and seeking help as soon as possible can make a life-changing difference.
Teenage Self-Harm Treatment Options
At Beachside Teen, we offer a range of treatment programs tailored to your teen’s unique needs.
- Residential Treatment: For teens requiring intensive, round-the-clock care, residential treatment provides a structured and supportive environment. This program combines therapy, education, and life skills training to address the underlying causes of self-harm
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP allows teens to receive intensive treatment during the day while returning home in the evenings. This program is ideal for teens who need significant support but can benefit from being at home.
How Self-Harm is Treated
Effective treatment for self-harm involves addressing both the behaviors and their underlying causes. Common approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens identify and replace negative thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Teaches emotional regulation and coping skills.
- Trauma Focused Therapy: Addresses past experiences contributing to self-harm.
- Family Therapy: Improves communication and fosters a supportive home environment.
With a combination of therapy, support, and skill-building, teens can learn to navigate challenges without resorting to self-injury.
Why Beachside?
Beachside Teen provides a compassionate and understanding environment for teens struggling with self-harm. Our experienced staff specializes in adolescent mental health and behavioral health issues, offering personalized care in a supportive setting. We emphasize holistic healing, focusing on your teen’s emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Our state-of-the-art facilities, evidence-based therapies, and family-centered approach make us a trusted choice for parents seeking self-harm treatment for their teens.
Start the Healing Journey Today
If your teen is struggling with self-harm, know that help is available.
At Beachside Teen, we are here to guide your family through the recovery process with compassion and expertise. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and start your teen on the path to healing.
