Self-harm behavior like cutting can start between the ages of 11-15 and may peak in adolescent teens of age 15-17. This worrying statistic highlights the silent struggle teenagers face, as many of them start in early adolescence and, because they don’t receive treatment, continue into their later teenage years.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand that addressing teen self-harm is a critical issue. It encompasses more than just physical healing; it requires a comprehensive approach to support the body and the mind. We offer comprehensive and trusted residential programs in Arizona for teen girls and boys, including evidence-based and holistic care methods. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, contact our team today and begin the evaluation process.
Understanding the Impact of teen Self-Harm Scars
Teen self-harm scars significantly impact a teenager’s physical form. Some wounds may heal faster, some may take more time, and some may heal but never fade. Let’s take a look at the impact of self-harm scars on a teenager’s physical and emotional well-being.
Physical Impact
The healing of a self-harm wound can be a lengthy process. Before it heals, the wound has to go through four stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation.
Hemostasis: This is the first stage of wound healing. The body works to stop bleeding by clotting blood.
Inflammation: This stage involves fluid engorgement, which works to heal and repair cells.
Proliferation: During this phase, new tissue and blood vessels form. Collagen is produced to provide structure to the healing area.
Maturation: Also known as remodeling, this is the final stage of the wound healing process. It involves strengthening and organizing collagen fibers, resulting in scar tissue.
Discomfort or Limitations of Scars
Scars can lead to several physical discomforts and limitations, including:
Pain and itching: Some scars may feel tender and itchy, causing persistent physical discomfort for the teenager.
Restricted movement: If the scars are located near certain areas on the body, like hands or legs, they may limit their range of motion at any given time.
Sensitivity: Some scars are sensitive to temperature changes or the type of fabric, which may make it difficult for them to heal normally and faster.
Aesthetic concerns: Scars alter the appearance of the skin. Some may fade with time, and some may form marks, causing teenagers to be self-conscious about their physical appearance.
Emotional Impact
Scars from self-harm can carry significant emotional weight on teenagers, including:
Shame: Many teenagers are ashamed of their scars due to the stigma and society’s perceptions of teen self-harm. They may feel embarrassed when asked about the visible signs of their emotional struggles and vulnerabilities.
Self-consciousness: Scars can be a constant reminder of past pain and trauma. It may lead teenagers to develop anxiety based on how others perceive them.
Constant reminders of the past: Every time a self-harming teenager glances at their skin, a scar can bring back memories of the hard times. This may make it difficult or impossible for teenagers to heal and move forward from self-harm.
Fear of judgment: There is a lot of stigma surrounding teenagers who self-harm. Teenagers may be scared of the negative reactions from friends or families who make assumptions or ask invasive questions about the scars.
Social isolation: Concern about being judged can lead teenagers to avoid social situations. They may wear long sleeves or other clothing to hide their scars, or they may even withdraw from interactions where their scars might be noticed.
Internalized stigma: Over time, self-harming teenagers may internalize societal stigma and start perceiving themselves differently. This may lead to low self-worth, feelings of hopelessness, and worthlessness.
Addressing Physical Scars of Teens
Addressing physical scars among teenagers who self-harm requires a lot of tact and well-laid strategies. To promote healing and medication, several actions have to be taken. These include seeking professional help, body appreciation, and motivation.
Medical Consultation
Medical consultation is one of the best ways to promote the healing of self-harm scars. When you work with a professional, it is easier to know the exact remedy rather than just experimenting with different kinds of ointments. Visit the dermatologist with your teenager. This makes it easier for the healthcare provider to offer personalized advice and treatment options.
Several treatment options may help reduce the appearance of self-harm scars, including:
Surgery
Surgery is used for large wounds that may hinder movement. A medical professional removes the scar from the skin and closes it up during surgery.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatment works by focusing on the surface of the skin. Some of the common types of topical treatments include:
Polyurethane dressing: This refers to using a self-adhesive polyurethane bandage to reduce a scar’s hardness and size. The bandage may also prevent discoloration and help the scar return to a normal color.
Pressure therapy: In pressure therapy, your teenager will need to apply pressure to their self-harm wounds. The same procedure can be done on newly formed scars on the body. This kind of therapy works to reduce the appearance of raised scars and can help with mobility.
Silicone gel: These flexible sheets coated with silicone gel are applied to wounds to hydrate and protect the scarred skin. When used over time, it reduces the size of scars and may help prevent discoloration.
Injectables
This treatment involves a medical professional injecting medicine into your teenager’s scar. They are most effective for raised scars as they help reduce the size and minimize the pain or discomfort. Some of the common injectables include:
Cryotherapy: Uses liquid nitrogen or argon gas to freeze scar tissues, which eventually die and fade.
Dermal fillers: These reduce the appearance of scars on the surface of the skin.
Bleomycin injections: These injections prevent the growth of new cells, treating scars by preventing the skin from producing new tissue.
Corticosteroid injections: This will minimize collagen production in the body, which helps reduce the size and texture of a scar.
Skin Resurfacing
This type of treatment removes skin on the skin’s surface to reveal smooth and undamaged skin. Skin resurfacing treatment procedures include
Skin bleaching
Microneedling
Chemical peels
Dermabrasion
Dermaplaning
Light or laser therapy
It is important to note that these procedures may have different results depending on the person. Consult with your healthcare provider before subjecting your teenager to any kind of treatment.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens also help treat and minimize scars. Encourage your teenager to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The sunscreen should also be broad-spectrum to prevent both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen protects scars from UV rays, which can darken them and make them more noticeable. It should be applied daily for better results.
Moisturizing
Moisture is an essential requirement in the treatment of scars and wounds. Encourage your teenager to use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated. To maintain optimal skin hydration, they should apply the moisturizer daily, preferably after bathing. Moisturized skin heals effectively and retains its elasticity, possibly reducing scar formation.
Promoting Self-Acceptance and Body Positivity
It may take a while before the results of scar treatment are noticed. In the meantime, encourage your teenager to love and accept themselves as they are. Remind them to love themselves by talking kindly to themselves and affording themself some grace.
Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk is important in shifting a teenager’s attitude towards self-harm recovery. Encourage your teenager to practice self-talk or affirmations. Affirmations help shift their mindset from their scars to a more accepting and compassionate mindset.
Some of the examples of affirmations that your teenager may employ include:
My scars are part of me, and they make me unique.
My scars do not define me; I’m much more than my scars.
Every part of me, including my scars, is beautiful.
Body Appreciation
Push your teenager to focus on their strengths rather than their shortcomings. You can encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy or activities that make them appreciate their bodies. You can also encourage your teenager to wear comfortable clothes that don’t make them self-conscious. This can help them feel more at ease in their skin. Lastly, you can provide positive reinforcement by rewarding your teenager for taking steps to love themselves. This helps them feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.
Addressing Emotional Scars
Self-harm scars also have a long and lasting impact on a teenager’s emotional health. Some of the emotional scars may be low self-worth, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and worthlessness. Such feelings may discourage teen self-harm recovery and deteriorate their mental health.
Promoting Healing and Emotional Well-Being
One way to promote emotional well-being is to encourage open communication between you and your teenager. Create an environment where your teenager feels comfortable talking about their feelings and experiences. Practice active listening while your teenagers express themselves. Give them your full attention, empathize with them, and validate their self-harm experiences. This can significantly aid their emotional healing process.
Therapy
Therapy is also a good way to promote the emotional well-being of self-harming teenagers. From providing a safe and structured environment to developing healthy coping skills, therapy is one of the best ways to deal with the emotional impacts of trauma. Emphasize the benefits of therapy to your teenager and involve them in the treatment decision-making process. This may help remind them that they are still in full control of their health and well-being.
Several therapeutic approaches can be tailored to meet your teenager’s needs during therapy. Modalities like teen cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help identify self-harming teenagers’ negative thought patterns. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help promote emotional regulation and distress tolerance, and trauma-focused therapy addresses the impact of past traumas.
Support Groups
Support groups can be beneficial for teenagers who have struggled with self-harm. These groups offer a sense of belonging and understanding. They provide a safe environment for teenagers to share and learn from shared experiences. It also encourages teenagers to form and foster meaningful connections with others.
Promoting Self-Expression and Growth
There are several proven ways to promote self-expression and growth among teens, including:
Creative Outlets
Encourage your teenager to engage in creative activities like art therapy, journaling, or music to help them healthily express their emotions. Activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting can provide an outlet for feelings that might be difficult to verbalize. Writing about thoughts, experiences, and feelings can help in self-reflection and emotional processing. Lastly, playing musical instruments can provide a form of emotional release and help teenagers connect with their feelings on a deeper level.
Building Self-Worth
Teenagers can build their self-esteem by volunteering for projects, learning new skills, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in activities they enjoy. Participating in volunteer work can provide teens with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. New skills also encourage teens to take up new hobbies or activities that interest them. Learning and mastering these things can increase confidence, provide a sense of achievement, and offer a positive focus.
Guidance for Parents: Supporting Teens with Self-Harm Scars
Parenting teenagers dealing with mental health challenges like self-harm can be hard. It requires a lot of grace, understanding, and compassion. It also requires parents to be informed on ways to create a safe, supportive, and calm environment that encourages self-harm recovery. Some of these methods include:
Avoid Shame and Judgment
Avoid shaming or judging your teenagers for their experiences with self-harm. Instead, create an environment where your teenager feels safe and understood. Refrain from expressing disappointment or anger when discussing self-harm with them. These reactions can intensify your teenager’s shame, guilt, or embarrassment. You can use neutral and non-judgmental language to avoid implying blame or criticism.
Promoting Open Communication
Encourage your teenager to talk about their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. Regularly check in with your teen about their mental health. This consistency can show that you support and care about them.
Offer Support and Understanding
Some ways to offer support and understanding to your teenager are through active listening and validating their feelings. Practice active listening and stay attentive when your teen talks about their scars or emotions. Use nonverbal cues like eye contact or nods of understanding. Let your teen speak without interruptions. Also, you don’t always need to offer solutions, sometimes, your teenager just wants to be heard.
Validate your teenagers’ feelings by showing them you care and understand. Acknowledge your teenager’s feelings through words like “I understand this is really hard for you” or “It’s okay to feel this way.” Avoid downplaying their feelings or telling them to “just get over it.”
Focus on Recovery
Instead of focusing on your teenager’s past self-harm behaviors, shift to supporting their recovery journey and future goals. Help your teen find and develop healthy coping mechanisms. This can be through exercise, creative activities, or talking to a therapist.
Additional Resources
There are several resources for parents located in Arizona whose teens are recovering from self-harm.
Crisis Hotlines
Arizona Crisis Line: Available 24/7 for immediate help with mental health crises.
Phone: 1-844-534-HOPE (4673)
Teen Lifeline: A dedicated hotline for teens needing someone to talk to.
Phone: 602-248-TEEN (8336)
Text: Text “TEEN” to 839863 (available daily from 3 PM to 9 PM)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: A national resource also accessible to Arizona residents.
Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Chat: Available through their website
Support Groups
Mental Health America of Arizona (MHAAZ): Offers various support groups and resources for mental health.
NAMI Arizona (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Provides support groups, educational programs, and resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Teen Self-Harm Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Addressing self-harm scars involves a dual approach that focuses both on physical and emotional well-being. Creating a supportive, judgment-free environment and seeking professional help for effective recovery is essential. Parents should implement active listening, promoting self-expression, and encouraging positive self-talk.
While we don’t offer physical treatment at Nexus Teen Academy, we can provide support for the emotional aspect of self-harm. We provide comprehensive resources for teens struggling with mental health issues, including self-harm and suicidal ideation. We offer several therapies tailored to fit your teenagers’ specific needs. The sessions are held by licensed mental health professionals who specialize in adolescent care. To learn more about our treatment offerings, contact our team today and get the healing process started.
If your teen resists seeking professional help, have an open, non-judgmental conversation about their fears or concerns regarding therapy. Explain that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and allow them to participate in choosing a therapist. This can give them a sense of control and comfort.
While professional treatments are most effective, some home remedies, such as aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E Oil, may help fade scars. You can also use silicone gel sheets to help flatten and fade scars over time.
The healing time for self-harm scars varies based on severity, skin type, and how well your teenager cares for their wound. Proper wound care, including cleaning and moisturizing, can promote faster healing.
Protein is essential for tissue repair and regeneration, while Vitamins A and C can aid in collagen production and skin health. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps repair damaged skin. Drinking plenty of water also keeps the skin hydrated and may promote healing.
Exercises like stretching help improve skin flexibility, especially for scars near joints. Regularly massaging the scar tissue can improve blood flow and reduce stiffness.
If your teen is resistant to seeking professional help, consider the following:
Open Communication: Talk to your teen about their concerns and reasons for resisting.
Educate: Provide information about the benefits of therapy and how it can specifically help them.
Start with Trusted Adults: Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult, such as a family member, teacher, or school counselor.
Model Acceptance: Show your teen that seeking help is normal and acceptable by discussing your own experiences or those of others in a positive light.
Involve Them in Decision-Making: Allow your teen to have a say in choosing a therapist or the type of therapy, which can help them feel more in control.
Addressing Physical and Emotional Recovery from Teen Self-Harm Scars in Arizona
Published On May 27, 2024
Table of Contents
Self-harm behavior like cutting can start between the ages of 11-15 and may peak in adolescent teens of age 15-17. This worrying statistic highlights the silent struggle teenagers face, as many of them start in early adolescence and, because they don’t receive treatment, continue into their later teenage years.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand that addressing teen self-harm is a critical issue. It encompasses more than just physical healing; it requires a comprehensive approach to support the body and the mind. We offer comprehensive and trusted residential programs in Arizona for teen girls and boys, including evidence-based and holistic care methods. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, contact our team today and begin the evaluation process.
Understanding the Impact of teen Self-Harm Scars
Teen self-harm scars significantly impact a teenager’s physical form. Some wounds may heal faster, some may take more time, and some may heal but never fade. Let’s take a look at the impact of self-harm scars on a teenager’s physical and emotional well-being.
Physical Impact
The healing of a self-harm wound can be a lengthy process. Before it heals, the wound has to go through four stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation.
Discomfort or Limitations of Scars
Scars can lead to several physical discomforts and limitations, including:
Emotional Impact
Scars from self-harm can carry significant emotional weight on teenagers, including:
Addressing Physical Scars of Teens
Addressing physical scars among teenagers who self-harm requires a lot of tact and well-laid strategies. To promote healing and medication, several actions have to be taken. These include seeking professional help, body appreciation, and motivation.
Medical Consultation
Medical consultation is one of the best ways to promote the healing of self-harm scars. When you work with a professional, it is easier to know the exact remedy rather than just experimenting with different kinds of ointments. Visit the dermatologist with your teenager. This makes it easier for the healthcare provider to offer personalized advice and treatment options.
Several treatment options may help reduce the appearance of self-harm scars, including:
Surgery
Surgery is used for large wounds that may hinder movement. A medical professional removes the scar from the skin and closes it up during surgery.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatment works by focusing on the surface of the skin. Some of the common types of topical treatments include:
Injectables
This treatment involves a medical professional injecting medicine into your teenager’s scar. They are most effective for raised scars as they help reduce the size and minimize the pain or discomfort. Some of the common injectables include:
Skin Resurfacing
This type of treatment removes skin on the skin’s surface to reveal smooth and undamaged skin. Skin resurfacing treatment procedures include
It is important to note that these procedures may have different results depending on the person. Consult with your healthcare provider before subjecting your teenager to any kind of treatment.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens also help treat and minimize scars. Encourage your teenager to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The sunscreen should also be broad-spectrum to prevent both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen protects scars from UV rays, which can darken them and make them more noticeable. It should be applied daily for better results.
Moisturizing
Moisture is an essential requirement in the treatment of scars and wounds. Encourage your teenager to use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated. To maintain optimal skin hydration, they should apply the moisturizer daily, preferably after bathing. Moisturized skin heals effectively and retains its elasticity, possibly reducing scar formation.
Promoting Self-Acceptance and Body Positivity
It may take a while before the results of scar treatment are noticed. In the meantime, encourage your teenager to love and accept themselves as they are. Remind them to love themselves by talking kindly to themselves and affording themself some grace.
Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk is important in shifting a teenager’s attitude towards self-harm recovery. Encourage your teenager to practice self-talk or affirmations. Affirmations help shift their mindset from their scars to a more accepting and compassionate mindset.
Some of the examples of affirmations that your teenager may employ include:
Body Appreciation
Push your teenager to focus on their strengths rather than their shortcomings. You can encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy or activities that make them appreciate their bodies. You can also encourage your teenager to wear comfortable clothes that don’t make them self-conscious. This can help them feel more at ease in their skin. Lastly, you can provide positive reinforcement by rewarding your teenager for taking steps to love themselves. This helps them feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.
Addressing Emotional Scars
Self-harm scars also have a long and lasting impact on a teenager’s emotional health. Some of the emotional scars may be low self-worth, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and worthlessness. Such feelings may discourage teen self-harm recovery and deteriorate their mental health.
Promoting Healing and Emotional Well-Being
One way to promote emotional well-being is to encourage open communication between you and your teenager. Create an environment where your teenager feels comfortable talking about their feelings and experiences. Practice active listening while your teenagers express themselves. Give them your full attention, empathize with them, and validate their self-harm experiences. This can significantly aid their emotional healing process.
Therapy
Therapy is also a good way to promote the emotional well-being of self-harming teenagers. From providing a safe and structured environment to developing healthy coping skills, therapy is one of the best ways to deal with the emotional impacts of trauma. Emphasize the benefits of therapy to your teenager and involve them in the treatment decision-making process. This may help remind them that they are still in full control of their health and well-being.
Several therapeutic approaches can be tailored to meet your teenager’s needs during therapy. Modalities like teen cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help identify self-harming teenagers’ negative thought patterns. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help promote emotional regulation and distress tolerance, and trauma-focused therapy addresses the impact of past traumas.
Support Groups
Support groups can be beneficial for teenagers who have struggled with self-harm. These groups offer a sense of belonging and understanding. They provide a safe environment for teenagers to share and learn from shared experiences. It also encourages teenagers to form and foster meaningful connections with others.
Promoting Self-Expression and Growth
There are several proven ways to promote self-expression and growth among teens, including:
Creative Outlets
Encourage your teenager to engage in creative activities like art therapy, journaling, or music to help them healthily express their emotions. Activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting can provide an outlet for feelings that might be difficult to verbalize. Writing about thoughts, experiences, and feelings can help in self-reflection and emotional processing. Lastly, playing musical instruments can provide a form of emotional release and help teenagers connect with their feelings on a deeper level.
Building Self-Worth
Teenagers can build their self-esteem by volunteering for projects, learning new skills, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in activities they enjoy. Participating in volunteer work can provide teens with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. New skills also encourage teens to take up new hobbies or activities that interest them. Learning and mastering these things can increase confidence, provide a sense of achievement, and offer a positive focus.
Guidance for Parents: Supporting Teens with Self-Harm Scars
Parenting teenagers dealing with mental health challenges like self-harm can be hard. It requires a lot of grace, understanding, and compassion. It also requires parents to be informed on ways to create a safe, supportive, and calm environment that encourages self-harm recovery. Some of these methods include:
Avoid Shame and Judgment
Avoid shaming or judging your teenagers for their experiences with self-harm. Instead, create an environment where your teenager feels safe and understood. Refrain from expressing disappointment or anger when discussing self-harm with them. These reactions can intensify your teenager’s shame, guilt, or embarrassment. You can use neutral and non-judgmental language to avoid implying blame or criticism.
Promoting Open Communication
Encourage your teenager to talk about their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. Regularly check in with your teen about their mental health. This consistency can show that you support and care about them.
Offer Support and Understanding
Some ways to offer support and understanding to your teenager are through active listening and validating their feelings. Practice active listening and stay attentive when your teen talks about their scars or emotions. Use nonverbal cues like eye contact or nods of understanding. Let your teen speak without interruptions. Also, you don’t always need to offer solutions, sometimes, your teenager just wants to be heard.
Validate your teenagers’ feelings by showing them you care and understand. Acknowledge your teenager’s feelings through words like “I understand this is really hard for you” or “It’s okay to feel this way.” Avoid downplaying their feelings or telling them to “just get over it.”
Focus on Recovery
Instead of focusing on your teenager’s past self-harm behaviors, shift to supporting their recovery journey and future goals. Help your teen find and develop healthy coping mechanisms. This can be through exercise, creative activities, or talking to a therapist.
Additional Resources
There are several resources for parents located in Arizona whose teens are recovering from self-harm.
Crisis Hotlines
Arizona Crisis Line: Available 24/7 for immediate help with mental health crises.
Teen Lifeline: A dedicated hotline for teens needing someone to talk to.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: A national resource also accessible to Arizona residents.
Support Groups
Teen Self-Harm Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Addressing self-harm scars involves a dual approach that focuses both on physical and emotional well-being. Creating a supportive, judgment-free environment and seeking professional help for effective recovery is essential. Parents should implement active listening, promoting self-expression, and encouraging positive self-talk.
While we don’t offer physical treatment at Nexus Teen Academy, we can provide support for the emotional aspect of self-harm. We provide comprehensive resources for teens struggling with mental health issues, including self-harm and suicidal ideation. We offer several therapies tailored to fit your teenagers’ specific needs. The sessions are held by licensed mental health professionals who specialize in adolescent care. To learn more about our treatment offerings, contact our team today and get the healing process started.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your teen resists seeking professional help, have an open, non-judgmental conversation about their fears or concerns regarding therapy. Explain that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and allow them to participate in choosing a therapist. This can give them a sense of control and comfort.
While professional treatments are most effective, some home remedies, such as aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E Oil, may help fade scars. You can also use silicone gel sheets to help flatten and fade scars over time.
The healing time for self-harm scars varies based on severity, skin type, and how well your teenager cares for their wound. Proper wound care, including cleaning and moisturizing, can promote faster healing.
Protein is essential for tissue repair and regeneration, while Vitamins A and C can aid in collagen production and skin health. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps repair damaged skin. Drinking plenty of water also keeps the skin hydrated and may promote healing.
Exercises like stretching help improve skin flexibility, especially for scars near joints. Regularly massaging the scar tissue can improve blood flow and reduce stiffness.
If your teen is resistant to seeking professional help, consider the following: