What it is:                           

Some adolescents who struggle with their emotions engage in a behavior called self-harm or self-injury, which is a broad term that includes any behavior that causes damage to the body, such as cutting or burning. Self-harm is similar to suicidal behavior in some ways; for example, both cause physical damage and can require medical intervention. Usually, however, when adolescents self-harm by cutting or burning they are not trying to end their lives (though they may also be suicidal at other times). 

Teenagers report that they self-harm for a variety of reasons, though studies show that they usually do it as a way to calm down or feel more regulated. Sometimes parents assume that teens self-injure to get attention or to get out of doing something (like going to school), but that’s usually not the main reason for self-harm - they usually do it to regulate their emotions. In fact, a lot of teenagers hide the fact that they cut or burn themselves from their parents, teachers, and even friends.   

Fortunately, treatments are available that target self-harm. In the short-term, treatment involves learning more effective coping skills for managing intense emotions. Over the long-term, treatment is focused on creating a life worth living, including being able to experience intense emotions without being overwhelmed by them.