Gender Differences in Self-Harm Behaviors: What You Need to Know
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Gender differences in teen self-harm is a topic that warrants more discussion. Self-harm motivations and behavior will often differ between boys and girls. For example, girls are more likely to experience self-harm urges, while boys are more likely to use burning as a self-harming method. Additionally, LGBTQ+ teens face specific challenges that influence self-harm behaviors and their manifestation among them.
Nexus Teen Academy understands the challenges teenagers face during adolescence. We know how important individualized treatment is due to gender differences and other factors related to self-harm. At Nexus, we work directly with the client as well as the family to understand each individual’s unique situation and create a custom treatment plan tailored to their needs. To learn more about how we can help your teen with self-harm behaviors, contact us today for help.
Understanding Self-Harm and Its Gender Differences
Teen Self-harm is the intentional infliction of physical injuries or harm to oneself. It is also known as self-injury or self-mutilation. It is commonly used as a negative coping mechanism for intense emotions, distress, or psychological pain. Common self-harm behaviors include cutting, burning, scratching, and hitting oneself.
Although both teenage boys and girls engage in self-harm behavior, it is worth noting that rates differ. Some studies have found that girls are more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors than boys. One survey of the rates of nonsuicidal self-injury in youth discovered that ninth-grade girls engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury at three times the rate of boys. Self-harm is also prevalent in the LGBTQ+ population. A study conducted in 2020 discovered a higher rate of self-harm in an LGBTQ adolescent group (45%) compared to a heterosexual group (18%).
How Self-Harm Behaviors Differ Among Genders
Let’s now look at the difference between self-harm methods and frequency between boys and girls and how self-harm behaviors manifest in LGBTQ+ teens.
Self-Harm in Boys vs. Girls
Girls tend to engage in self-harm behaviors more frequently, with some studies suggesting rates of up to 3 times higher. Self-harm also occurs in boys but remains majorly unreported due to stigma. The methods of self-harm also differ among the two genders. Girls mostly cut, scratch, or overdose themselves, while boys may burn the skin and hit or punch objects.
Girls are also more likely to disclose their self-harming behaviors and urgers and seek help compared to boys.
LGBTQ+ Teens
Self-harm is also prevalent in LGBTQ+ teens due to the unique challenges they face. Some common struggles include stigma, discrimination, gender dysphoria, internalized homophobia, and family rejection, all of which cause intense emotional distress. They also experience higher rates of mental health issues, abuse, and inadequate support networks, which can trigger negative coping mechanisms. Common self-harm behaviors in LGBTQ+ teens include cutting, burning, scratching the skin, and other forms of self-injury, including pulling out hair and hitting themselves. LGBTQ+ individuals also report high rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
Why Self-Harm Behaviors Differ
Self-harm behaviors in boys, girls, and LGBTQ+ teens mostly differ due to psychological, social, and cultural factors. Here is an in-depth discussion.
Psychological Factors
The main psychological factors behind the difference in self-harm behaviors between girls and boys include the following:
Emotional Expression: Girls find it easier to express their emotions. They may engage more in self-harm behaviors to manifest their inner pain.
Coping Mechanisms: Boys often use externalizing behaviors such as aggression to deal with stress or intense emotions. On the other hand, girls mostly internalize their stress, which can lead to self-harm.
Body Image Issues: Girls often face more body image issues than boys, which can lower their self-esteem. Feelings like self-loathing, dissatisfaction, and worthlessness are associated with self-harm behaviors.
Psychological Disorders: Females experience higher rates of anxiety and depression, which may increase the likelihood of self-harm.
Social and Cultural Influences
Social and cultural norms influence self-harm behaviors differently in girls, boys, and LGBTQ+ teens in the following ways:
Boys
Boys are usually expected to showcase toughness and independence. As they suffer independently, some may engage in self-harm behaviors such as hitting themselves or punching objects.
Society encourages boys to suppress their emotions, which often leads to internalized distress. Boys may lash out or engage in aggressive behaviors to deal with the resulting distress instead of self-harm.
Societal expectations can also lead boys not to report self-harm urges or behaviors as often.
Additionally, bullying or the pressure to conform to aggressive behaviors may lead some boys to engage in self-harm.
Girls
The pressure to conform to ideal beauty and body standards imposed by society may lead to self-esteem issues in girls, increasing their likelihood of engaging in self-harm behaviors as an outlet for their feelings of dissatisfaction.
Girls often invest highly in their interpersonal relationships. Therefore, any perceived rejection or conflict can lead to intense emotional distress, pushing them into self-harm behaviors.
Girls experience higher rates of sexual abuse and trauma. The resultant emotional distress can trigger self-harm.
LGBTQ+ Teens
Societal rejection, transphobia, and homophobia contribute to high levels of self-harm among LGBTQ+ teens.
LGBTQ+ teens who struggle to come to terms with their sexual or gender identity are more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors. This is especially common in unsupportive environments.
Insufficient access to mental health resources and supportive networks can heighten the risk of self-harm in LGBTQ+ teens.
Recognizing Self-Harm Behaviors
Teens normally harm select specific parts of the body. Knowing these parts can help you identify the signs of self-harm and take proactive action.
Common Self-Harm Locations on the Body
Here are some of the body parts teens commonly injure when self-harming:
Arms: The forearms and wrists are common targets for both boys and girls since they are accessible and can be covered easily.
Legs: Thighs (among girls) and calves (in boys) are preferred leg regions. Thighs are hidden, while calves can be easily concealed by clothing.
Abdomen: The stomach area is usually susceptible to self-harm, especially among girls, as it is private and less visible.
Torso: Teens, especially boys, may inflict injuries on their chest and shoulders. These two regions are easily visible but can be concealed.
Hips: The hip area is another common self-harm location, especially for girls, as it can be easily hidden.
Some less common but possible body regions include the back, face, and hands.
Environmental Triggers
Teen self-harm usually occurs in different environments, including home, school, and various social settings. Here is how such environments can trigger self-harm:
High expectations and intense pressure to perform in school may cause intense emotional distress.
Different types of bullying, including physical, verbal, and cyberbullying, may lead to feelings of isolation and self-esteem issues, triggering self-harm behaviors.
Domestic issues, including violence, can create a stressful home environment, increasing teenager’s susceptibility to self-harm behaviors.
Parental neglect may lead to intense feelings of worthlessness and loneliness, possibly triggering teen self-harm.
Parental substance abuse may lead to an unstable home environment, possibly triggering unhealthy coping behaviors like self-harm.
Intense pressure to conform to social norms and behaviors may lead to self-destructive habits.
A lack of supportive friends or mentors can make teenagers feel isolated or hopeless, which can lead to self-harm behaviors.
Which Self-Harm Behaviors to Look Out For
Self-harm behaviors usually manifest in different ways and methods. Let’s discuss a few self-harm methods and signs and how they differ from one gender to the next.
Identifying Self-Harm Methods
Common self-harm methods among teens include the following:
Cutting
Cutting is more common in girls than boys. It is done by using a sharp object to inflict wounds, normally on the arms, wrists, and legs.
Burning
Burning is less common than cutting. It is usually prevalent in boys who may use flames and lighters to inflict burns or bruises on different body parts.
Hitting
Teens may also hit themselves or objects to deal with intense psychological pain. This behavior is more common in boys than girls due to their increased potential for aggression.
Scratching
Teenagers, especially girls, may also use their nails or other sharp tools to scratch or flake their skin.
Hair Pulling
Forcefully pulling out hair also qualifies as self-harm behavior. It is most common among girls.
Overdosing
Teens may also overdose or mix prescription medications with drugs such as alcohol as a means of self-harm. This is more common in girls than boys. Substance abuse, in general, is a strong indication of underlying mental health problems.
Picking Wounds
Interference with wounds by picking them may also serve as a self-harm method. Teens often interfere with the healing process of their wounds to inflict physical pain capable of distracting them from intense emotions.
Behavioral and Emotional Signs
The following signs, accompanied by physical unexplained injuries, may indicate that your teenager is engaging in self-harm behavior:
Wearing concealing clothing, long sleeves, and short pants to hide injuries
Unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns
Avoiding social interactions
Unexplained or unwarranted possession of sharp objects such as knives and razors
A sudden drop in grades
Intense mood swings caused by depression and irritability
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Negative self-talk/ low self-esteem
Constant fear or anxiety
Persistent expressions of hopelessness
When Self-Harm Behaviors Are Likely to Occur
Understanding when self-harm behaviors are likely to occur makes it possible to monitor your teenager and intervene promptly. Let’s look at different situations and developmental stages that may increase the likelihood of self-harm in teens.
Situational Triggers
Teens are more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors during:
Intense emotional distress. Intense feelings of anger, hopelessness, sadness, and frustration are common during such periods.
After undergoing or experiencing a traumatic vent
Periods of intense loneliness or isolation
High-stress situations, such as exams and relationship breakdowns
Mental health crises
When under the influence of drugs and substances
Periods of low self-esteem and self-worth
When exposed to self-harm behaviors, mostly from peer interactions
Transitions and changes, such as adjusting to new environments
At night, when there are fewer distractions
After confrontations and arguments
You should monitor your teenager during the above times and respond accordingly. Remember, prompt intervention helps address the underlying issue on time, preventing any future self-harm behaviors and stopping the problem in its tracks before it spirals into something more dangerous.
Developmental Stages
Teens are more likely to engage in self-harm during adolescence and late adolescence.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a period marked by intense emotional and psychological changes.
The hormonal fluctuations experienced during this period can cause intense mood swings, increased sensitivity to stress, and feelings of confusion and helplessness. These can trigger self-harm behaviors in teens who haven’t learned healthy coping mechanisms.
Most teens struggle to establish their identity and self-worth during adolescence due to academic expectations, peer pressure, and changing social dynamics. Such challenges may lead to self-harm behaviors.
Late Adolescence
Teens are also more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors during late adolescence for the following reasons:
The pressure of transitioning to adulthood can lead to intense feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
The need to make critical decisions about the future, including career choices and higher education, may cause intense distress.
Social relationships can become more complex during this stage, which, when coupled with other challenges, may cause overwhelming distress.
Fear of failing or not meeting expectations as an adult may lead to overwhelming feelings of inadequacy.
Teens in early or late adolescence may use self-harm as a way of coping with heightened stressors and the accompanying emotional pain, especially in the absence of healthy coping strategies and supportive resources.
What to Do When You See Self-Harm Behaviors in Your Teen
You should take proactive steps when you notice self-harm behaviors in your teenager. Here are a few recommended immediate steps and long-term support options:
Immediate Steps
Stay Calm: Do not panic as you risk further stressing your teenager. Instead, maintain composure as you plan to handle the issue.
Ensure your teenager’s safety by eliminating any immediate self-harm tools.
Talk to your teenager: Let them know you are concerned and want to help them. Remind them of your unconditional love and support.
Show empathy as you converse with them. Listen to their experiences and challenges without judgment.
Gently recommend that they seek mental health support. Inform them of the benefits of therapy or support interventions, answer their questions and concerns, and work with them to identify the right treatment options and professionals.
Create a safe and supportive environment as they seek or undergo treatment. Ensure your teenager feels safe and understood at home.
Long-Term Support and Interventions
Therapy
Therapy can help teens engaging in self-harm behaviors to understand the root cause of their feelings and behaviors and make positive changes. Common therapeutic techniques used for teens engaging in self-harm behaviors include teen cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy.
Medication
Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed to help teens engaging in self-harm activities manage underlying mood disorders.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes, such as healthy routines, limiting exposure to harmful content, and increased engagement in hobbies and interests, can help self-harming teens develop and maintain resilience. They can also provide joy, a sense of achievement, and improved overall well-being.
School Support
You should collaborate with your teen’s school for additional support and resources. Work with staff members and guidance counselors to accommodate your teenager’s needs during and after treatment.
Continued Monitoring and Intervention
Maintain open communication with your teenager to monitor progress and address challenges. Additionally, create a supportive environment and develop crisis or teen self-harm relapse prevention and management plans.
Offer Positive Reinforcement
You should acknowledge and celebrate any milestones or progress your teenager makes in overcoming their self-harm behaviors. Additionally, praise any healthy coping strategies or adaptive behaviors.
Resources and Support System
Teenagers engaging in self-harm behaviors need professional support and intervention.
Professional Help
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer different interventions to address teen self-harm. These usually involve the following:
Conducting thorough assessments to understand the underlying issues behind the teenager’s self-harm behaviors.
Conducting psychiatric evaluations to determine the need for medication.
Administering individual therapy sessions to help the teenager explore triggers, emotions, and coping strategies.
Administering group therapy to provide peer support, reduce isolation, and promote the acquisition of healthy coping mechanisms.
Providing family therapy to strengthen the teenager’s support network and help them and their family members address familial dynamics and patterns.
Developing personalized safety plans to help the teenager manage triggers/urges and create healthy coping mechanisms.
Administering dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Administering cognitive behavioral therapy to help teens identify and challenge the negative thought patterns contributing to their self-harm behaviors.
Teaching practical skills such as mindfulness, relaxation, and problem-solving.
Creating a comprehensive aftercare plan for post-treatment support.
Providing educational support to ensure continuity in education as your teenager undergoes treatment.
We also provide a safe, structured, and trigger-free environment during treatment to prevent engagement in self-harming behaviors. Our facility is monitored by staff and security 24/7 to ensure that your son or daughter gets the help they need in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, we have incorporated trauma-informed care in all our approaches to recognize and address past trauma.
Community and Online Support
Most teens engaging in self-harm behaviors often feel isolated and overwhelmed. You should help them obtain community and online support to reduce feelings of isolation and acquire a sense of belonging and understanding, here are a few options:
Joining supportive online forums and communities, such as Instagram or Reddit, dedicated to discussing self-harm topics and coping mechanisms. However, this should be done cautiously due to the negative sides of social media.
Seeking immediate support and guidance through crisis text lines and hotlines.
Joining local or online teen support groups to connect with peers recovering from similar conditions.
Seeking knowledge from relevant, informative mental health websites.
Seeking support from trusted adults or community social workers.
Self-Harm Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Recognizing and understanding self-harm behaviors in boys, girls, and LGBTQ+ teens plays an important role in providing comprehensive support and interventions. We urge you to watch out for signs of self-harm in your teen and collaborate with mental health professionals to assess and address any specific underlying issue. Additionally, strive to create a healthy, supportive, and judgment-free home environment for your teenager as they navigate the challenges of self-harm. That said, professional help is often still needed.
Nexus Teen Academy is a leading teen mental health treatment center in Arizona. We offer evidence-based and holistic treatment options for teens with self-harming behaviors and other underlying mental health issues. Along with these treatment methods, we utilize family therapy and offer numerous family meeting times throughout the week (once in person and daily virtual meetings) to ensure that your child feels loved and supported. Contact us to learn more about our program, and tell us a bit about your situation.
You can tell your teenager is self-harming through their behaviors, mood states, and physical appearance. Common signs to look out for include frequent unexplained injuries, wearing concealing clothing even in warm weather, isolation, and withdrawal from social activities. Additionally, look out for sudden mood and behavioral changes and increased secrecy.
LGBTQ+ teens face several challenges. They may turn into self-harm behaviors without the right support and coping mechanisms. Do not freak out, punish, or ridicule them if you learn of their self-harm behavior. Instead, you should:
Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, and self-harm to understand their struggles.
Create a safe space where they would be comfortable discussing their feelings without rejection or fear of judgment.
Pay attention to their emotions and experiences without interrupting them or invalidating their feelings.
Obtain professional help from a therapist specializing in LGBTQ+ teen issues and self-harm.
Help them find and explore alternative ways of managing stress and emotions. Healthy options include art, journaling, and exercise.
Assure them of your unconditional love and support as they navigate their issues.
Encourage them to engage in and prioritize self-care activities.
More importantly, be patient and understanding. Remember, recovery takes time. Therefore, be patient with your teenager and provide ongoing support.
Girls are usually pressured to conform to society-imposed body and beauty standards, which can lead to low self-esteem or pervasive feelings of inadequacy. Boys may also be pressured into adhering to masculine norms such as suppressing emotions and “staying tough.” Without the right coping mechanisms, they may turn to self-harm to let out their struggles secretly.
Environmental factors that can trigger self-harm in teens include peer pressure, family conflicts, societal expectations, and exposure to abuse or trauma. Economic instability, lack of access to mental health resources, discrimination, and negative social media influence, compounded with other challenges, may also push teens to engage in self-harming behaviors.
Contact Nexus Teen Academy if you need professional help or residential treatment for teens in Arizona. Our team of qualified, highly skilled, and experienced therapists is ready to help your teen navigate and overcome different challenges, including self-harm behaviors.
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC and Nexus Teen Academy
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Gender Differences in Self-Harm Behaviors: What You Need to Know
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On May 29, 2024
Table of Contents
Gender differences in teen self-harm is a topic that warrants more discussion. Self-harm motivations and behavior will often differ between boys and girls. For example, girls are more likely to experience self-harm urges, while boys are more likely to use burning as a self-harming method. Additionally, LGBTQ+ teens face specific challenges that influence self-harm behaviors and their manifestation among them.
Nexus Teen Academy understands the challenges teenagers face during adolescence. We know how important individualized treatment is due to gender differences and other factors related to self-harm. At Nexus, we work directly with the client as well as the family to understand each individual’s unique situation and create a custom treatment plan tailored to their needs. To learn more about how we can help your teen with self-harm behaviors, contact us today for help.
Understanding Self-Harm and Its Gender Differences
Teen Self-harm is the intentional infliction of physical injuries or harm to oneself. It is also known as self-injury or self-mutilation. It is commonly used as a negative coping mechanism for intense emotions, distress, or psychological pain. Common self-harm behaviors include cutting, burning, scratching, and hitting oneself.
Although both teenage boys and girls engage in self-harm behavior, it is worth noting that rates differ. Some studies have found that girls are more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors than boys. One survey of the rates of nonsuicidal self-injury in youth discovered that ninth-grade girls engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury at three times the rate of boys. Self-harm is also prevalent in the LGBTQ+ population. A study conducted in 2020 discovered a higher rate of self-harm in an LGBTQ adolescent group (45%) compared to a heterosexual group (18%).
How Self-Harm Behaviors Differ Among Genders
Let’s now look at the difference between self-harm methods and frequency between boys and girls and how self-harm behaviors manifest in LGBTQ+ teens.
Self-Harm in Boys vs. Girls
Girls tend to engage in self-harm behaviors more frequently, with some studies suggesting rates of up to 3 times higher. Self-harm also occurs in boys but remains majorly unreported due to stigma. The methods of self-harm also differ among the two genders. Girls mostly cut, scratch, or overdose themselves, while boys may burn the skin and hit or punch objects.
Girls are also more likely to disclose their self-harming behaviors and urgers and seek help compared to boys.
LGBTQ+ Teens
Self-harm is also prevalent in LGBTQ+ teens due to the unique challenges they face. Some common struggles include stigma, discrimination, gender dysphoria, internalized homophobia, and family rejection, all of which cause intense emotional distress. They also experience higher rates of mental health issues, abuse, and inadequate support networks, which can trigger negative coping mechanisms. Common self-harm behaviors in LGBTQ+ teens include cutting, burning, scratching the skin, and other forms of self-injury, including pulling out hair and hitting themselves. LGBTQ+ individuals also report high rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
Why Self-Harm Behaviors Differ
Self-harm behaviors in boys, girls, and LGBTQ+ teens mostly differ due to psychological, social, and cultural factors. Here is an in-depth discussion.
Psychological Factors
The main psychological factors behind the difference in self-harm behaviors between girls and boys include the following:
Social and Cultural Influences
Social and cultural norms influence self-harm behaviors differently in girls, boys, and LGBTQ+ teens in the following ways:
Boys
Additionally, bullying or the pressure to conform to aggressive behaviors may lead some boys to engage in self-harm.
Girls
LGBTQ+ Teens
Recognizing Self-Harm Behaviors
Teens normally harm select specific parts of the body. Knowing these parts can help you identify the signs of self-harm and take proactive action.
Common Self-Harm Locations on the Body
Here are some of the body parts teens commonly injure when self-harming:
Some less common but possible body regions include the back, face, and hands.
Environmental Triggers
Teen self-harm usually occurs in different environments, including home, school, and various social settings. Here is how such environments can trigger self-harm:
Which Self-Harm Behaviors to Look Out For
Self-harm behaviors usually manifest in different ways and methods. Let’s discuss a few self-harm methods and signs and how they differ from one gender to the next.
Identifying Self-Harm Methods
Common self-harm methods among teens include the following:
Cutting
Cutting is more common in girls than boys. It is done by using a sharp object to inflict wounds, normally on the arms, wrists, and legs.
Burning
Burning is less common than cutting. It is usually prevalent in boys who may use flames and lighters to inflict burns or bruises on different body parts.
Hitting
Teens may also hit themselves or objects to deal with intense psychological pain. This behavior is more common in boys than girls due to their increased potential for aggression.
Scratching
Teenagers, especially girls, may also use their nails or other sharp tools to scratch or flake their skin.
Hair Pulling
Forcefully pulling out hair also qualifies as self-harm behavior. It is most common among girls.
Overdosing
Teens may also overdose or mix prescription medications with drugs such as alcohol as a means of self-harm. This is more common in girls than boys. Substance abuse, in general, is a strong indication of underlying mental health problems.
Picking Wounds
Interference with wounds by picking them may also serve as a self-harm method. Teens often interfere with the healing process of their wounds to inflict physical pain capable of distracting them from intense emotions.
Behavioral and Emotional Signs
The following signs, accompanied by physical unexplained injuries, may indicate that your teenager is engaging in self-harm behavior:
When Self-Harm Behaviors Are Likely to Occur
Understanding when self-harm behaviors are likely to occur makes it possible to monitor your teenager and intervene promptly. Let’s look at different situations and developmental stages that may increase the likelihood of self-harm in teens.
Situational Triggers
Teens are more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors during:
You should monitor your teenager during the above times and respond accordingly. Remember, prompt intervention helps address the underlying issue on time, preventing any future self-harm behaviors and stopping the problem in its tracks before it spirals into something more dangerous.
Developmental Stages
Teens are more likely to engage in self-harm during adolescence and late adolescence.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a period marked by intense emotional and psychological changes.
Late Adolescence
Teens are also more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors during late adolescence for the following reasons:
Teens in early or late adolescence may use self-harm as a way of coping with heightened stressors and the accompanying emotional pain, especially in the absence of healthy coping strategies and supportive resources.
What to Do When You See Self-Harm Behaviors in Your Teen
You should take proactive steps when you notice self-harm behaviors in your teenager. Here are a few recommended immediate steps and long-term support options:
Immediate Steps
Long-Term Support and Interventions
Therapy
Therapy can help teens engaging in self-harm behaviors to understand the root cause of their feelings and behaviors and make positive changes. Common therapeutic techniques used for teens engaging in self-harm behaviors include teen cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy.
Medication
Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed to help teens engaging in self-harm activities manage underlying mood disorders.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes, such as healthy routines, limiting exposure to harmful content, and increased engagement in hobbies and interests, can help self-harming teens develop and maintain resilience. They can also provide joy, a sense of achievement, and improved overall well-being.
School Support
You should collaborate with your teen’s school for additional support and resources. Work with staff members and guidance counselors to accommodate your teenager’s needs during and after treatment.
Continued Monitoring and Intervention
Maintain open communication with your teenager to monitor progress and address challenges. Additionally, create a supportive environment and develop crisis or teen self-harm relapse prevention and management plans.
Offer Positive Reinforcement
You should acknowledge and celebrate any milestones or progress your teenager makes in overcoming their self-harm behaviors. Additionally, praise any healthy coping strategies or adaptive behaviors.
Resources and Support System
Teenagers engaging in self-harm behaviors need professional support and intervention.
Professional Help
At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer different interventions to address teen self-harm. These usually involve the following:
We also provide a safe, structured, and trigger-free environment during treatment to prevent engagement in self-harming behaviors. Our facility is monitored by staff and security 24/7 to ensure that your son or daughter gets the help they need in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, we have incorporated trauma-informed care in all our approaches to recognize and address past trauma.
Community and Online Support
Most teens engaging in self-harm behaviors often feel isolated and overwhelmed. You should help them obtain community and online support to reduce feelings of isolation and acquire a sense of belonging and understanding, here are a few options:
Self-Harm Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Recognizing and understanding self-harm behaviors in boys, girls, and LGBTQ+ teens plays an important role in providing comprehensive support and interventions. We urge you to watch out for signs of self-harm in your teen and collaborate with mental health professionals to assess and address any specific underlying issue. Additionally, strive to create a healthy, supportive, and judgment-free home environment for your teenager as they navigate the challenges of self-harm. That said, professional help is often still needed.
Nexus Teen Academy is a leading teen mental health treatment center in Arizona. We offer evidence-based and holistic treatment options for teens with self-harming behaviors and other underlying mental health issues. Along with these treatment methods, we utilize family therapy and offer numerous family meeting times throughout the week (once in person and daily virtual meetings) to ensure that your child feels loved and supported. Contact us to learn more about our program, and tell us a bit about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can tell your teenager is self-harming through their behaviors, mood states, and physical appearance. Common signs to look out for include frequent unexplained injuries, wearing concealing clothing even in warm weather, isolation, and withdrawal from social activities. Additionally, look out for sudden mood and behavioral changes and increased secrecy.
LGBTQ+ teens face several challenges. They may turn into self-harm behaviors without the right support and coping mechanisms. Do not freak out, punish, or ridicule them if you learn of their self-harm behavior. Instead, you should:
More importantly, be patient and understanding. Remember, recovery takes time. Therefore, be patient with your teenager and provide ongoing support.
Girls are usually pressured to conform to society-imposed body and beauty standards, which can lead to low self-esteem or pervasive feelings of inadequacy. Boys may also be pressured into adhering to masculine norms such as suppressing emotions and “staying tough.” Without the right coping mechanisms, they may turn to self-harm to let out their struggles secretly.
Environmental factors that can trigger self-harm in teens include peer pressure, family conflicts, societal expectations, and exposure to abuse or trauma. Economic instability, lack of access to mental health resources, discrimination, and negative social media influence, compounded with other challenges, may also push teens to engage in self-harming behaviors.
Contact Nexus Teen Academy if you need professional help or residential treatment for teens in Arizona. Our team of qualified, highly skilled, and experienced therapists is ready to help your teen navigate and overcome different challenges, including self-harm behaviors.