Self-harm in adolescents is a delicate and complex issue that requires understanding and empathy. This behavior refers to the act of intentionally causing physical harm to oneself, but without the intention of committing suicide. Although it can be difficult to understand from an outside perspective, self-harm is a coping mechanism that some adolescents use to deal with intense emotions and difficult situations.
In psychology, self-harm is understood as a manifestation of emotional pain that the person does not know how to express in any other way. Physical pain can serve as a means to relieve or distract from deep emotional suffering. Self-harming behaviors may include cutting, hitting, or burning oneself, and are often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, or isolation.
What are the reasons behind it?
The reasons why an adolescent may resort to self-harm are varied and often related to emotional, psychological, or social issues. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Managing intense emotions: Many adolescents feel overwhelmed by emotions such as sadness, anger, or anxiety. Not knowing how to handle these feelings in a healthy way, they turn to self-harm as a way to “relieve” or control what they are experiencing. Physical pain provides an immediate and tangible outlet for emotional chaos.
2. Low self-esteem: Adolescents with a negative self-image or who feel unworthy of love may self-harm as a form of punishment or an attempt to regain control over their lives.
3. Stress and social pressure: Academic, family, or social pressures can be overwhelming for adolescents. The feeling of not being able to meet others’ expectations can cause deep emotional distress, leading some to seek comfort in self-harm.
4. Trauma or abuse: Adolescents who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse may self-harm as a way of coping with the pain related to those traumas. Self-harm can become a way to externalize inner pain they cannot express otherwise.
5. Feelings of disconnection or isolation: Many adolescents who feel disconnected from their social or family environment resort to self-harm to express their suffering, especially if they feel they have no one to talk to about what they are going through.
It’s important to note that although some adolescents may start self-harming due to social pressure or trends, this behavior is not a superficial fad, but rather a sign of deeper emotional struggles. While peer or social media influence may play a role in initiating self-harm, the underlying factors are emotional and psychological and require professional attention.
How to help a self-harming adolescent
The support of parents, family members, and friends is fundamental to help an adolescent overcome self-harming behavior. Here are some key ways to provide support:
- Speak with empathy and without judgment: If you discover that your child is self-harming, it’s important to approach the issue with sensitivity. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration, try to maintain an open and compassionate conversation. Listen without judging and validate their emotions. Let them know you’re there to support them and that you don’t reject them for what they’re going through.
- Encourage open communication: Often, adolescents who self-harm feel like they can’t talk about their problems. As a parent or caregiver, it’s crucial to create a safe space where they can express themselves. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, concerns, and what is leading them to self-harm. Open communication can help reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
- Seek professional help: Psychological treatment is key to addressing the underlying causes of self-harm. A psychologist or therapist who specializes in adolescents can help them understand the emotional reasons behind their behavior and teach them healthy coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially effective in these cases, as it helps adolescents identify and change negative thought and behavior patterns.
- Create an emotionally supportive environment: Helping an adolescent build a support network is fundamental. In addition to professional therapy, the support of friends, family, and trusted individuals can provide the emotional backing needed to overcome their pain. This may include group activities, teen support groups, or participation in sports or hobbies that build self-esteem.
- Early intervention: It’s important to address self-harm as early as possible before it becomes a difficult habit to break. Parents should be alert to warning signs such as behavioral changes, social withdrawal, or the appearance of wounds or marks on the body. The earlier help is sought, the easier it is to treat the underlying causes.
- Avoid stigmatization and overprotection: While support is essential, it’s also important to avoid labeling the adolescent negatively or becoming overly protective. Adolescents need to feel understood and supported, but they also need to learn to take responsibility for their own emotional well-being. Stigmatization can worsen the situation, and excessive control can lead to more frustration.
In summary, self-harm in adolescents is a serious challenge that must be approached with understanding, support, and professionalism. Although this behavior can be alarming, it’s important to remember that it is not about a lack of willpower, but a way to cope with emotional pain. We are a team of psychologists ready to help adolescents learn to manage their emotions in a healthy way and overcome the underlying causes of their self-harming behavior. Early intervention, proper therapy, and family support are key to their recovery.
Arancha Lorente
Psychologist Col. Nº B-03674
