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By Louise Sutherland, M. Ed., LMHC  For every 100,000 adolescents, about 700 to 750 currently engage or have engaged in Self-Mutilation. 64% of these are girls, 36% are boys.
What is Self Injury?Self-injury is "the act of attempting to alter a mood state by inflicting physical harm serious enough to cause tissue damage to the body.”
An act of self-mutilation is usually deliberate, repetitive, impulsive, non-lethal, and, in some cases, involves an almost ritual-like pattern. Most self injurers are highly impulsive and they are often hiding an eating disorder as well, and we frequently see some form of obsessive-compulsive type behavior. Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB), as a rule, originates in early adolescence and typically persists for about 10 years. Injurers experience difficulty with emotions while they battle with intense self-loathing and extreme sensitivity to rejection.
Piggyback ProblemsIt is common to find that self-injurers are involved in alcohol or other drug abuse. Other compulsive behaviors include indiscriminate high-risk sexual activity or other thrill-seeking behavior. Upon closer observation we see several alarming features that accompany self-injurious behavior.
- Physical or Sexual Abuse
- Physical or Emotional Neglect
- Chaotic Family Conditions, i.e. Substance Abuse or Domestic Violence
- Invalidation of self by others
- Efforts to reveal personal or private experiences are met by erratic, inappropriate, extreme responses by the parent or caregiver
When a child experiences long-term exposure to the above, what results is a belief that what she thinks and feels, her opinions, and her individuality are essentially wrong or unacceptable. When "bad” things happen to her, it is her fault.
A means to copeWhile SIB has the potential to be lethal, generally, it's not an attempt to commit suicide, though every effort must be made to discern the intent. The irony here is that if you were to ask a "cutter” if she were trying to kill herself she might look at you as if you had two heads as many SIBs report that they most certainly would become suicidal if they could not cut. Kids are using SIB as their way to cope; a way to create some visible sign of their pain and to give it special meaning through the scars that survive their pain. The following are warning signs that your child may be cutting or engaging in some form of SIB.
- Unexplained frequent injuries including cuts and burns
- Wearing long pants and sleeves in warm weather
- Can’t handle feelings, mood swings, or tantrums over seemingly insignificant issue
- Poor functioning in the home, secretive, isolates
- Volatile relationships
If you believe that a child might be engaging in SIB, be mindful as to how you approach him or her about your observations.
A tone that is non-judgmental, kind, and caring is less likely to raise a wall of defensiveness and can be a source of comfort. If you are a parent, consult with a Mental Health Professional and arrange for an evaluation. Treatment is available and effective.
For more information about Self Injurious Behavior refer to Dr. Lisa Boesky's website: www.drlisab.com/ or conduct your search using keywords Self Injurious Behavior.
About the Author...
Louise is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She is recently retired from the State of Nevada where she worked with adolescents in a residential program. Louise earned the respect of her peers and coworkers for her skill and creativity in treating the effects of childhood trauma and neglect to include self-injury, eating disorders, sexual acting out, and the compulsive use of alcohol/other drugs. Louise is an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapist and continues to expand her knowledge and skill in the treatment of Complex Trauma. Louise has recently opened Benchmark Counseling in Bradenton, Florida. Last Update: 3/17/2014
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