In this article, learn about why some people consider suicide. It also covers what to do if you or a loved one experiences these thoughts. Although borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder share some similar symptoms, they are different conditions. We take a look at agitated depression, a low mood involving uneasiness and anxiety.
Included in this article is detail on diagnosis and stress…. Why do people cut themselves? Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Why people do it Warning signs The psychology of self-harm Causes Treatment Ways to help Harming oneself might seem unthinkable, but it is one of the most common mental health issues. Share on Pinterest A person experiencing depression or anxiety may be at risk of cutting themselves. Warning signs. The psychology of self-harm.
Treatment and remedies. How to help someone stop cutting. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. How to stop yourself or someone else from cutting. What are the warning signs of suicide? What are suicidal thoughts? What's the difference between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder? Medically reviewed by Dillon Browne, PhD. All you need to know about agitated depression.
For others, mental health conditions that affect personality can cause relationships to feel intense and consuming, but unsteady. For these teens, intense positive attachments can suddenly become terribly disappointing and leave them feeling hurt, anger, or despair too strong to cope with. Other teens struggle with personality traits that attract them to the dangerous excitement of risky behavior or self-destructive acts. Some are prone to dramatic ways of getting reassurance that they are loved and cared about.
For others, posttraumatic stress has had an effect on their ability to cope. Or they're struggling with alcohol or substance problems.
Peer pressure. Some teens are influenced to start cutting by another person who does it. For example, a teen girl might try cutting because her boyfriend cuts. Group peer pressure can play a role too. Some teens cut in groups and might pressure others to cut. A teen might give in to group pressure to try cutting as a way to seem cool or bold, to belong, or to avoid social bullying. Any of these factors may help to explain why a particular teen cuts.
But each teen also has unique feelings and experiences that play a role. Some who cut might not be able to explain why they do it. Regardless of the factors that may lead a teen to self-injure, cutting isn't a healthy way to deal with even the most extreme emotions or pressures. Some teens call attention to their self-injury. Or if the SI requires medical attention, that might be a way others find out. But many teens cut for a long time before anyone else knows.
Some teens eventually tell someone about their self-injury — because they want help and want to stop, or because they just want someone to understand what they're going through. It can take courage and trust to reach out. Many teens hesitate to tell others because they fear being misunderstood or worry that someone might be angry, upset, disappointed, shocked, or judgmental.
Some teens confide in friends, but ask them not to tell. This can create burden and worry for a friend who knows. If confronted about the cutting, teens can respond in different ways, depending partly on the teen and partly on the how they were approached by it. Some might deny the cutting, while others might admit to it, but deny that it's a problem. Some might get angry and upset or reject efforts to help. Some teens are relieved that someone knows, cares, and wants to help.
Whether or not anyone else knows or has tried to help, some teens cut for a long time before they try to stop. Teens whose cutting is part of another mental health condition usually need professional help. Sometimes cutting or another symptom leads to a teen's admission to a mental health hospital or clinic. Some teens have more than one hospital stay for self-injury before they feel ready to accept help for cutting or other problems.
Some teens find a way to stop cutting on their own. This might happen if a teen finds a powerful reason to stop such as realizing how much it hurts a friend , gets needed support, or finds ways to resist the powerful urge to cut.
To stop cutting, a person also needs to find new ways to deal with problem situations and regulate emotions that feel overwhelming. As difficult as it is, try to keep in mind that exploring what pressures prompt your teen to self-injure is a necessary step toward healing. Talk to your child. It can be hard to talk about such a painful topic. You may not know what you're going to say.
That's OK. What you say won't be nearly as important as how you say it. To open the conversation, you might simply say that you know about the cutting, and then convey your concern, love, and your willingness to help your child stop. It will probably be hard for your teen to talk about it, too.
He or she might feel embarrassed or ashamed, or worried about how you'll react or what the consequences might be. You can help ease these worries by asking questions and listening to what your teen has to say without reacting with punishment, scolding, or lectures.
Let your teen know that cutting is often related to painful experiences or intense pressures, and ask what difficult issues your teen may be facing. Your teen might not be ready to talk about it or even know why he or she cuts.
Even if that's the case, explain that you want to understand and find ways to help. Don't be surprised if your teen resists your efforts to talk about cutting.
He or she might deny cutting, get angry or upset, cry, yell, or storm off. A teen might clam up or say that you just don't understand. If something like this happens, try to stay calm and patient. Don't give up — find another time to communicate and try again. Seek professional help. It's important to seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional who can help you understand why your teen cuts, and also help your teen heal old hurts and develop new coping skills.
Therapy can allow teens to tell their stories, put their difficult experiences into words, and learn skills to deal with stresses that are part of life. Therapy also can help identify any underlying mental health condition that needs evaluation and treatment. For many teens, cutting is a clue to depression or bipolar mood problems, unresolved grief, compulsive behaviors, or struggles with perfectionism.
It's important to find a therapist your teen can feel open and comfortable with. If you need help finding someone, your doctor or a school counselor might be able to provide guidance. Offer encouragement and support. While your teen is getting professional help, stay involved in the process as much as possible. Ask the therapist to guide you in how to talk with and support your teen.
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