Why do teenagers cut themselves?

Some individuals cut because they are desperate to get rid of negative emotions. People who cut may not be aware of other options for coping with emotional anguish or strain. Some individuals cut to show fury, despair, rejection, desperation, desire, or emptiness. It's complicated to understand why people deliberately slash themselves. Cutting is a coping mechanism used by some people to deal with the discomfort of strong emotions, high strain, or distressing interpersonal issues. They may be struggling with sentiments that are too painful to endure or events that they assume were permanent.

There are alternative methods to deal with the problems, even major issues and excruciating emotional agony. Major life difficulties or overpowering emotions may necessitate the assistance of a mental health professional. Talking things over with parents, other adults, or colleagues can help put things in perspective in other difficult circumstances or intense emotions. Daily exercise can also assist in putting difficulties into perspective and balancing emotions. Any intentional action intended to cause bodily pain is referred to as self-harm. Although adolescent boys participate in this activity as well, girls are more likely to harm their bodies in an attempt to cope with difficult feelings or events. The most prevalent type of self-injury is cutting or clawing the skin with razor blades or other sharp items.

Parent’s biggest concern when their children cut themselves or inflict self-harm in any form is that they are suicidal. However, this is not the case in the most of teen cutting situations. This type of self-harm is usually an unwise and hazardous reaction to feelings and impulses that youth are unable to manage in a healthy manner. People who cut or self-injure themselves are more likely to have additional mental health issues, which add to their emotional stress. Cutting has been linked to depression, bipolar disease, eating disorders, obsessive thinking, and compulsive behaviours in certain instances (though not all). It can also be a symptom of mental health issues that lead people to struggle with impulse control or take excessive risks. Some people who cut themselves have drug or alcohol addiction issues.