by Jeannette Rodgers

Created on: October 15, 2009   Last Updated: November 06, 2009

Self-mutilation is a maladaptive (unhealthy) way of coping that the adolescent ironically utilizes to embrace their vitality. The self-mutilating behavior is one that is utilized when the teen is no longer able to grasp, sense or cope with their internal emotions therefore externalizing the emotion through physical means and harm.

If the teen has developed a "habit" of self-mutilating behaviors it is imperative to seek professional help aside and outside of your own ability to cope as a parent. If it has become a "habit" it has gone on too long and the time to seek professional help was yesterday. Their life is at risk so it is crucial that a parent not attempt to cope with the behavior but in fact; find healthy ways to cope with the cognitive impairments (emotional issues) at hand. Certainly, opening up communication with your teen is a start but the process should involve objective and professional assistance.

The reason self-mutilation has become a coping mechanism with the adolescent is because they are unable to find healthy ways of expressing themselves or coping with emotional/psychological issues that are presented before them. It is an unhealthy, dangerous and maladaptive coping mechanism that can lead to fatal results. If this behavior has become habitual it has gone on far too long and has placed the teen at greater risk of serious injury or potentiality for fatal results.

Cutting is done with staples, pins, scissors, knives and other like instruments. Other ways of self-mutilating are burning themselves with cigarettes, eating disorders, and abuse of alcohol; but for most the mutilation of one's self is a form of causing injury to your body that leaves scars behind for life. For some adolescents they are suffering from lack of self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem and feel as though they deserve to be punished for this lack in their life as they move through this transitory time of adolescence that presents various biological, physiological and psychosocial changes. Hence, they turn to self-mutilation out of anger and frustration toward themselves.

Another reason for self-mutilation is that the adolescent is attempting to captivate their vitality. The teen has lost a sense of "feeling" and has become deadened to the emotions that most express and feel. The cutting is their way of feeling. They have lost hope and express themselves through their scars. It was said that once the cut was made, "I saw the blood and knew I was still alive". The

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