by Megan As Well

Created on: September 21, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2009

Though self-injury may seem like a relatively new phenomenon, it isn't. The desire to self-injure can be triggered by innumerable things. To someone who is severely depressed or enraged, self-injury may provide a distraction from the source(s) of the depression and anger. For some, it is a coping mechanism; it is a way to channel extreme feelings. Obviously, it is a dangerous way to cope with problems and emotions, yet so many people compulsively do so on a frighteningly regular basis. In worse cases, self-injurers will cut or hurt themselves daily or even several times a day.

Unfortunately, this behavior is showing up more and more in teens and young adults, in high schools and in colleges. In the teenage years, both boys and girls experience magnified amounts of pressure, stress, and depression, as well as reduced levels of self-confidence and self-love. Everyone deals with these issues differently.

It seems the most common form of self-injury is cutting. "Cutters" aim to slice their skin with razor blades, knives, or other sharp objects. Some cutters will care for their wounds properly once they are feeling better, while others neglect and/or pick at cuts and scabs. Though all self-injurers are secretive, cutters are infamous for wearing long sleeves in hot weather to "hide the evidence." Some cutters will cut themselves in places which are rarely or never exposed, such as the upper thighs and pelvic region.

Self-injury occurs in many other forms, cutting aside. These other forms include intentionally pulling out hairs, digging the fingernails into the skin, and burning. A self-injurer who burns may put out a cigarette on their arm or touch something scalding, like a stovetop. While this behavior seems horrendous to some, self-injurers (like drug users) tend to be on the lookout for instant gratification or relief from their overwhelming emotional pain.
Self-injury can also become an addiction which-like addictions to cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, and so on-can be treated through different forms of therapy and sometimes medication. If you or someone you know cuts or self-injures, there is hope. Since most self-injury sprouts from pressure, depression, and low self-esteem, most self-injurers should get in touch with their optimistic side and learn that there are other coping mechanisms that can be just as effective.

Parents who recognize this behavior in their children should have their children see a counselor or therapist-anyone who will listen to your child and give them a rational, objective viewpoint. It is a very difficult subject to talk about and even think about, but don't let the behavior continue. Some antidepressants may be beneficial to self-injurers, but teenagers should not take antidepressants because of the high risks of worsened depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or the self-injurer in your life is suicidal, get help immediately.

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