March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a time to bring some awareness to this important issue and provide support for those who are struggling.
Self-harm among teens is a serious issue, though it is not classified as a mental health disorder. It goes beyond cutting, encompassing behaviors like burning, scratching, hair-pulling, and even risky activities such as substance use or reckless driving.
A study analyzing hospitalization data between 2015 and 2019 reported an overall age-standardized self-harm hospitalization rate of 54.4 per 100,000 population. The rate for females was 70.2 per 100,000, while for males, it was 39.9 per 100,000.
Each year, there are roughly 20,000 hospitalizations due to self-harm in Canada, with rates varying across different regions.
It’s important to note that self-harm behaviors can vary widely, and not all instances result in hospitalization. Therefore, the true prevalence of self-harm among Canadian adolescents may be higher than hospitalization data suggests.
While self-harm is often linked to suicide risk, it is not always an indicator of suicidal intent. Many teens use self-harm as a way to cope with emotional pain, stress, or feelings of shame and guilt.
As the author of What’s Wrong with My Teen? Finding Answers to Teenage Addiction and Family Crisis, I have worked with countless families navigating the challenges of teen mental health. Understanding why teens turn to self-harm and how to support them is crucial for parents, caregivers, and educators. I dedicate a section of my book to suicide and self-harm.
Why Do Some Teens Engage in Self-Harm?
Self-harm can serve various emotional functions for teens, including:
• Emotional relief: Some teens self-harm to release pent-up emotions or distract from mental distress.
• Self-punishment: Feelings of guilt or low self-worth can lead teens to harm themselves as a form of self-inflicted punishment.
• A sense of control: In times of chaos, some teens turn to self-harm as a way to exert control over their pain.
• A cry for help: While self-harm is not always an attempt at suicide, it can be a way for teens to signal that they need support.
Signs of Self-Harm in Teens
Parents and caregivers should be aware of possible warning signs, such as:
• Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises
• Wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather to hide injuries
• Collecting sharp objects or other tools for self-harm
• Frequent skin infections or scars in the same area
• Risky behaviors like excessive drinking, drug use, or self-sabotaging relationships
Is Self-Harm a Sign of Depression?
Not necessarily. While self-harm is common in teens with depression, it can also be linked to anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. If your teen is self-harming, seeking professional help can provide clarity and guidance.
How to Help a Teen Who Self-Harms
If you suspect your teen is self-harming:
1. Stay calm and avoid judgment. Reacting with anger or shame can make things worse.
2. Have an open conversation. Let them know you care and want to understand.
3. Seek professional support. A therapist specializing in adolescent mental health can help.
4. Encourage healthy coping strategies. Activities like journaling, art, or mindfulness can offer alternative ways to process emotions.
5. Be patient and supportive. Recovery takes time, and relapses may happen.
Finding Help in Canada
For immediate support, Canadian teens can reach out to:
• Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868)
• Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566)
• Local youth mental health services, such as CAMH or Foundry BC
If your teen is struggling, know that help is available, and healing is possible. The most important thing you can do is be there for them without judgment and guide them toward professional support.
*Sources: Goverment of Canada statistics, PubMed Central
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