Teen cutting often has roots in an inability to cope with severe emotions. Learn to recognize the warning signs.
Purposely scratching or cutting the body with a sharp object, causing it to bleed, is a form of self-harm called cutting. Though people of any age may cut, cutting often starts in the early teenage years. And if it's not dealt with, the self-harm may persist into adulthood. The majority of teens who cut are girls, but boys do it too.
Reasons for Teen Cutting
Allan Josephson, MD, chief of the division of child, adolescent, and family psychiatry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky, says two of the most common reasons that teens give for cutting are that they're trying to make themselves "feel alive" or they're trying to distract themselves from intense or overwhelming emotions, such as anger.
"Kids will sometimes cut to deal with complex affects, or emotions," says Dr. Josephson. "The cutting makes it feel better."
But teen cutting is a complex problem. People who engage in acts of self-harm, such as cutting, are sometimes dealing with other mental health problems as well. Josephson says that cutting is "often associated with low self-esteem, anger, feelings of emptiness, and depression."
Other mental health problems that may be linked to teen cutting include bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behavior. But although teen cutting is a form of self-harm, Josephson says that it is not usually related to suicidal behavior.
In addition, some teenagers cut themselves not because of emotional stress or a mental health problem but simply as a way to act cool and get attention at school. These teens sometimes cut just to fit in with friends who are cutting.
If You Suspect Teen Cutting
The most obvious sign that teens are cutting is evidence of bodily damage, such as wounds or scars. Josephson notes that the cuts are usually on the arms and are often vertical. Cutting may also occur on the legs or belly. Extensive scratch marks, wounds, or scars in these areas are signs that a teen may be cutting.
Constant wearing of long sleeves or long pants to cover up the wounds may also be a sign of teen cutting. If asked about the marks or wounds, teens who cut often have many excuses for how they got the cuts and scars.
Some teens may even injure themselves by burning their skin with a cigarette or match.
If you believe your teen is cutting, encourage him or her to talk with someone about it — a teacher or counselor at school, a coach, or a trusted health care professional. Most cases of cutting require a counselor, therapist, or doctor who deals with mental health issues.
Teen cutting is a self-harm issue that must be addressed — and "almost always requires a mental health consultation," Josephson says. "Oftentimes, psychiatrists get involved."
Your teen's doctor can put you in touch with a mental health professional in your area who can help the teenager identify the emotions or situations triggering the cutting behavior and help her deal with them in a healthy way.