<<< Back To The Page You Came From

Helping Hand Vol. 14, Issue 8

Understanding Self-Injurious Behavior

By Lisa R. Ferentz

It is estimated that one to two million people in the United States intentionally and repeatedly bruise, cut, burn, mark, scratch and mutilate different parts of their own bodies. This estimate represents only the adolescents and adults who actually seek help for the behavior. Since the wounds inflicted are not intended to be life-threatening, often do not require medical attention and are frequently dismissed as “accidental,” clinicians and researchers believe that many people engage in acts of self-inflicted violence who are never treated or included in mental health statistics.

In recent years, however, there appears to be a dramatic increase in the number of younger and older adolescents who engage in self-injurious behavior. Family members and friends are justifiably confused, angry and frightened by the idea of a teenager deliberately and repeatedly hurting his or her own body. Adolescents who self-harm experience tremendous tension and anxiety before the act, along with an intense preoccupation with injuring themselves.

Many people report that the impulse to injure is irresistible. The teenager may feel little or no pain as the cut, burn or scratch is inflicted. There can be feelings of gratification, relief, comfort and even arousal after the act of self-harm. Despite the fact that many teens are psychologically invested in the behavior and feel helpless to stop, self-injurious behavior can be reduced and eventually extinguished. Often, a combination of individual and family therapy, self-help strategies, self-injurious behavior substitutes, medication and the use of community resources and support groups can help individuals reclaim a healthy sense of control over their bodies.

The most targeted body parts are the upper limbs. Adolescents may use razor blades, scissors and knives to cut the skin, and cigarettes, lighters and matches to burn themselves. They can also take everyday objects such as paperclips, pen caps, jewelry, fingernails and nail clippers and turn them into self-harming tools.

Tattoos and body piercings are not considered forms of self-injurious behavior. This is because they are performed by someone else in a social context and are primarily designed to beautify the body. However, teenagers who secretly pierce or tattoo their own bodies to relieve anxiety or “feel better” are engaging in self-injury. Self-injury also doesn’t indicate thoughts of suicide. Most self-inflicted injuries are not life-threatening.

These kids can be helped. If you know of a young person who engages in self-injury, contact your school’s student assistance counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse or guidance counselor for more information and helpful resources.

Lisa R. Ferentz, LCSW-C is a clinical social worker in private practice in Baltimore, Md. This article was excerpted from Student Assistance Journal, “Understanding Self-Injurious Behavior,” Summer 2002 (go to http://www. prponline.net/School/SAJ/Articles/understanding_self_injurious_behavior.htm for the full text.)

<<< Back To The Page You Came From