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Resource TopicsEducational Issues |
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Self-injuring BehaviorWhat is self-injuring behavior?Self-injury includes many forms of harming or destroying one's own body tissue. Common examples are: cutting, burning, scratching, skin picking, hair pulling, head banging, biting or self-hitting. The behavior is usually not done with intent to die, but people close to self-injurers should be aware that it could signal a risk for suicide. Getting help is crucial. Who self-injures and why?While self-injuring behavior can happen at any age, it's most common in adolescence. It can be a coping response for dealing with negative emotions or even a learned response to shame. Self-injurers may have experienced childhood abuse or had critical caregivers, and they have learned self-injury as a way to perpetuate abuse or to punish themselves for being "bad." What are the signs of self-injury?Many signs of self-injury are fairly obvious: frequent cuts, scars or burn wounds, skin-picking on the face, lips or scalp, hair pulling, or determined efforts to conceal scars (wearing long sleeves in hot weather). How can I help someone who is self-injuring?It is important to seek treatment from a doctor or mental health professional. Don't ignore self-injuring behavior and hope that it will just go away. Try to provide supportive and open communication. Avoid being judgmental, blaming the person or attacking the person's behavior, as this often only fuels more self-hatred and self-injury. Do what you can do to emphasize and praise the person's positive and healthy behaviors. How do people recover from self-injuring behavior?Treatment for self-injuring behavior has a high rate of success. Treatment might include medication, learning and practicing habit reversal techniques and therapy. (Resource: BCBS of MN Health Journal Vol. 13, No. 4)
Local ResourcesWayne Arnzen, MS, Licensed Psychologist Human Development Center Dr. Mimi Sa, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist Sawtooth Mountain Clinic Family Physicians SuperiorHealth Clinic Family Physicians Regional ResourcesMILLER DWAN MEDICAL CENTER (MDMC) State ResourcesMinnesota Association for Children's Mental Health National ResourcesAmerican Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists factsheet Focus Adolescent Services S.A.F.E. (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) Alternatives
Note: This is by no means meant to include an exhaustive list of mental health supports. Please remember there are many forms of support -- friends, family, spiritual connections, alternative health providers, online resources and internet support groups to name a few. Disclaimer: Listing of resources and websites is for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not indicate endorsement of any resources or website. |
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top | Resource Guide | Kinship Mentor North | Events | Services | About the Collaborative | Home 421 Seventh Street • Two Harbors, MN 55616• 218.834.8221 x 8445 • info@northshorechildren.com | |
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