Self-Harm in Teens: The Stress, Causes & How Parents Can Help

As a teen therapist in Missouri, I often meet parents experiencing a whirlwind of emotions upon discovering their teen is self-harming. The revelation can be shocking, frightening, and often overwhelming. It's a journey filled with questions and uncertainties. "Why is my child doing this?" "What did I miss?" "How can I help?" are common and valid concerns that race through a parent's mind.

The impact of self-harm on a family is profound. It's not just the teen who suffers; the entire family system feels the strain. There’s a palpable sense of distress, a disruption in the usual dynamics, and a desperate need for understanding and resolution. Parents often find themselves grappling with feelings of guilt, confusion, and helplessness, struggling to navigate the complex landscape of adolescent mental health.

Amidst this turmoil, the stress of finding the right therapist adds another layer of challenge. You're looking for someone who not only specializes in teen counseling but also has the expertise in addressing self-harm. More importantly, you need a therapist who can connect with your teen and guide them through this delicate phase of their life. It’s crucial to find someone who not only understands the intricacies of self-harm but also resonates with your teen, creating a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs and causes of self-harm in teens, and most importantly, how you as a parent can help. We understand the urgency and sensitivity of this issue and aim to offer you guidance, support, and the knowledge to take the next steps in aiding your teen's recovery.

What Is Self-Harm?

Self-harm is a way of coping with stress and emotions. It's also known as self-injury, self-mutilation, or cutting. People often think of cutting when they hear about self-harm but there are other forms of this behavior too, like scratching or burning yourself.

Self-harm can be used as a way to cope with feelings like depression, anxiety and anger. It can also be used by people who feel overwhelmed by problems in relationships at home or school/work pressures; they may find that hurting themselves helps them feel better temporarily so they don't have to deal with these issues directly

How Common Is Self-Harm in Teens?

Although it's more common than you might think, self-harm is still something that can be difficult for parents to talk about. It's important to remember that your child is not doing this because they are trying to hurt themselves or make themselves feel worse (although some people who self-harm do say that it makes them feel better). Rather, self harm is usually a sign of significant emotional distress and/or mental health issues.

Self-harm in any form is almost always a way of coping with difficult feelings; these feelings include anxiety, depression, stress and trauma--the latter often stemming from childhood abuse or neglect. While there are many reasons why teens may choose this method of coping--and there isn't one reason why all teens self harm--it's important for parents and caregivers to know what signs they should look out for so they can help their kids find healthier ways of dealing with difficult emotions instead of resorting back into old patterns like cutting or burning themselves when things get stressful out in the world!

The Causes of Self-Harm

Self-harm is not uncommon among teens, but there are many reasons why they might do it. For example:

• Stress, anxiety, and depression are some of the most common causes of self-harm in teens. As we mentioned above, anxiety and depression are also common symptoms of other mental health disorders such as PTSD or bipolar disorder. If your teen has been struggling with these issues before they started self-harming then it's possible that their first instinct was to seek help through therapy or medication rather than cutting themselves (or burning themselves). However if you notice that these symptoms have persisted for more than a few weeks then it might be worth talking to your doctor about getting them on medication sooner rather than later because waiting could mean increased risk for suicide or substance abuse down the line!

• Self-harm may also be used as a coping mechanism when dealing with trauma from childhood abuse or neglectful parents/caregivers; however this isn't always true since some children grow up in happy households yet still struggle with self harming behaviors later on due to genetic predisposition toward mood disorders like depression/bipolarism which has nothing do with upbringing whatsoever (i'm sorry if i'm upsetting anyone here). It's important not draw assumptions about why someone chooses this path because every single person experiences things differently."

Effects of Self-Harm on Teens and Families

Self-harm can be difficult for families to understand. Family members may feel helpless and confused, as they try to figure out what to do. Self-harm can be an attempt to deal with emotional pain, or it can be used as a way of coping with stress. It's important for parents to know that the behavior is not deliberate and doesn't mean that their child wants them dead or doesn't love them anymore; rather, it's usually an attempt by teens who are struggling with serious mental health issues such as depression or anxiety disorders.

Parents often don't understand how serious self-harm is until they see evidence in their own home--and even then there might be conflicting advice about whether this is serious or not! It's really important for parents who suspect their teen is engaging in this type of behavior (or any other concerning behavior) get professional support not only for your teen but so you as parents and a family system have help as well

Helping Teens Stop Harming Themselves

• Get help from a therapist. This is the most important thing you can do, and it's often the hardest to get your teen to do. A therapist will work with your child on their self-harming behavior, as well as any other issues they may have (e.g., anxiety or depression).

• Talk to your doctor about getting medication for anxiety or depression if necessary. If your teen has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or clinical depression, talk with their doctor about whether medication might be helpful for them in managing these issues so they don't feel compelled to harm themselves in order to cope with them more easily in the future--and before it becomes too late for effective treatment options like therapy sessions or group support meetings later down the road!

Counseling for Teens who Self Harm

If you're worried about your teen, it's important to reach out for help. You can start by talking with them and asking them if they are feeling depressed or anxious. If they are, encourage them to seek counseling from a mental health professional who specializes in treating teens (like a child psychologist). And, if your teen is struggling with self-harm I specifically recommend looking for a therapist trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Counseling for Teenagers Who Harm in Missouri

Discovering your teen is self-harming can be deeply distressing, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to help. At Aspire Counseling, we're here to offer both you and your teen the support and understanding needed during this difficult time.

Our experienced therapists in Lee's Summit specialize in working with teenagers facing the complex emotions that lead to self-harm. We approach each case with sensitivity, offering a personalized counseling experience that acknowledges your teen's unique struggles and fosters a path to healthier coping mechanisms.

Our therapy services are flexible to accommodate your family's needs, offering both in-person and online sessions. This flexibility ensures that your teen can access consistent and comforting support in an environment where they feel most at ease.

Self-harm doesn't have to be a silent battle for your teen. We're here to help them understand their emotions, develop healthier ways to cope, and build resilience for the future. As parents, you'll gain insights and strategies to support your teen effectively through this journey.

If you're ready to seek help and start the healing process, please reach out. Contact our office or use our online form to get in touch. We're committed to walking this path with you, providing compassionate professional guidance every step.