There
are a lot of factors that can lead to teens starting to hurt themselves. It is
one of the warning signs of suicide. However,
not all teens who self-harm are suicidal. If you have a friend, relative, or
someone you know who you think is causing self-injury they need help including
seeing a licensed therapist. They might need additional help from a doctor or a
psychiatrist. The key is helping them find better ways to cope. It is not a fad
or phase all teens go through and it should always be taken seriously. If
ignored there is the risk of suicide and mental health can spiral down as they
continue to feel worthless and ashamed.
Teens can recover
It
is not a lifelong issue as long as they get help. It is about learning how to
manage their emotions more healthily. When they do, for those who were suicidal
it is effective for youth suicide prevention. The teen needs to want to
stop and get help and it does take effort and work. When someone is low and
thinks it is the only option for them to manage the pain, it can be hard to get
motivated to change. With a therapist, they can get the support and skills they
need. Eventually, they become more confident, have better emotional support and
coping abilities, and are prepared should there be a relapse.
Approaching your child about if they
are self-harming
Here
is a look at the best way to approach your child if you think they are hurting
themselves;
- First of all, it is never a good
idea to ignore the concern and hope it stops, teens who have started to
hurt themselves do not often stop by themselves. Address the worry as soon
as you have it especially since this could be about youth suicide prevention.
- Remember not to push your own
emotions onto them, this is about helping them. If you are too full of
anger, guilt or sadness right then, wait until your emotions are more
manageable.
- At the point where you feel more
able to stay calm, tell them what you have noticed and about your worries.
Use blunt language and be clear.
- Listen to them, and validate how
they are feeling, even if you do not agree with how they are managing
those feelings. Do not judge them, try not to interrupt them by giving
your responses after they are done. Stay calm and offer them comfort.
- If they are not ready to talk,
or they do a little but not much, be patient and do not pressure them. Tell
them you are there whenever they are ready to try again.
- Start the job of getting them
help from a licensed therapist.
Conclusion
Self-injury
does not mean they are suicidal but it is one of the warning
signs of suicide. If you think your teen is suicidal call the suicide
and crisis line. If you think they are in immediate danger take them to the
local ER straight away.
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