How to Help Teens Who Cut Themselves

Millions of teenagers cut themselves intentionally every day. They feel their lives are hopeless; they want to cry out to someone, but they don't know how. They often cut themselves using a razor blade, scissors or some other sharp object to inflict pain, bodily harm, bleeding or other symptoms. If you are a parent or a friend of a troubled teen who has resorted to cutting, there are ways you can help him work through his issues.

Instructions

• 1

  Reach out to the child and find out what is wrong with her. She may be quiet until she realizes you're serious about helping her. Reaching out makes it a little easier for her to talk to you about the issues she's having; on the other hand, it may cause her to remain withdrawn. While young women between 13 and 25 are most likely to take scissors or blades to skin, cutting is something boys and girls both do, and boys can be just as tight-lipped about their feelings as girls.

• 2

  Talk to his friends. While some may not want to get involved, the chance is someone in the teen's social circle will open up and talk about what he has done or plans to do. They may speak to you in confidence in hope he will seek help. The more information you have from friends or peers of the troubled teen, the better equipped you will be to intervene.

• 3

  Help the teenager by way of a third party. A teacher, a counselor or a religious leader may be able to break through where parents or older siblings cannot. If she has trouble opening up to you, she may have a favorite teacher at school or someone she feels comfortable talking to about her issues. A church social circle may also be of assistance. Many churches have teen fellowship groups she could confide in.

• 4

  Engage the teen in other activities that will occupy his time. Cutting is a self-esteem issue and not necessarily a way to commit suicide or cause bodily harm; often, it's a teen's way of crying out for help. Healthy activities can raise self-esteem and set him on a healthier path.