Scratching in puberty: self-injurious behavior

Self-injurious behavior can take many forms, but one of the most common is something called scratching. Those affected use razor blades, nail scissors, needles or other sharp objects to injure their skin. In addition to scratching, self-injurious behavior can also manifest itself as cuts, burns or, in severe cases, fractures and chemical burns. Important to know: Behind self-harm is usually not a suicide attempt. For those affected, scratching or cutting is often the only way to deal with their emotions or the emotional  chaos of puberty .

The scratching usually begins in puberty and can last into young adulthood. Statistically, more girls direct aggression toward themselves. But self-harm is not an exclusively female phenomenon.

Why do teenagers cut themselves?

Rarely is there a single trigger for self-injurious behavior. This often hides a whole range of causes and feelings that those affected associate with scratching or cutting:

• Scratching as an outlet for anger, tension and fear: many sufferers find no other way to deal with their feelings and try to relieve the emotional burden of physical pain. The body responds to pain with an increased release of endorphins, promoting a feeling of relief and relaxation.
• Scratching as self-reassurance: Self-injurious behavior can be related to the need to feel one’s own body. Those affected often lack self-confidence. Physical pain signals to them: “I am here and alive”.
• Scratching as self-punishment: Some sufferers see scratching or cutting as a means of punishing themselves for supposed mistakes. Here, too, causes can be a negative self-image, but also depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
• Scratching as an addiction: Self-injury can gradually become a pattern of behavior that sufferers need to pursue over and over again . The inner urge to cut or scratch oneself cannot be alleviated without outside help.

Recognize self-injurious behavior

Scratching, cutting, and other self-injurious behavior is mostly done in secret. Many of those affected are ashamed of the visible consequences of their actions and try to hide scars and fresh wounds from those around them. Parents should therefore pay attention to the following warning signs:

• You notice that your child has had abrasions, scratches or bruises lately. Almost any part of the body can be affected, but injuries are often found in areas of the body that can be easily reached with the leading hand. For right-handed people, for example, the left forearm.
• Your child wears long clothing even in warm temperatures or when doing sports and reacts sensitively to questions.
• Your child shows unusual behavioral changes: they become severely isolated from family and friends, often appearing depressed, sad, and dissatisfied with themselves.
• Your child is currently in a difficult situation, for example struggling with bullying, pressure to perform, traumatic experiences; suffers from an addiction or eating disorder. Self-injurious behavior can, but does not necessarily have to, occur alongside mental illness or problems.

What to do when teenagers cut?

Parents who notice their children cutting themselves or hurting themselves in some other way should consider their own feelings before the first conversation. Panic, anger or even disgust cannot simply be turned off. But at the same time, an open and understanding attitude is important in order to establish contact with your child.

If your child self-injures, you should have a quiet minute to bring it up. Try to find out the reasons behind the scratching. How does it injure itself (razor blades, broken glass, lit cigarettes)? How often does it happen? Do friends or acquaintances also scratch? Self-injurious behavior is rarely easy to turn off, and it can always relapse. Have bandages, disinfectant and wound ointment ready to treat new wounds.

Threats, (self-)reproaches or punishments do not make sense and can even increase self-injurious behavior. Realize that this is not a pubescent fad, but a serious problem. Your child doesn’t know what else to do, but at the same time fears rejection from those around him. He needs a lot of support and encouragement from you to learn how to deal with his feelings in other ways.

Collect information about self-injurious behavior and possible forms of therapy, for example at counseling centers, on the Internet or in exchange with other victims. This way you can better assess your own situation. There are various therapeutic approaches that treat self-harm, for example with relaxation techniques. Therapy is recommended, but only successful if your child participates voluntarily. But: In the case of severe injuries or suicide attempts, support from child and adolescent psychiatric services is essential – even against the child’s will.

Worries, fears and arguments demand a lot of strength from you. In all the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Talk to good friends or like-minded people, allow yourself to be angry and frustrated and try to find moments of relaxation in everyday life. If you notice that the situation is stressing you too much, you should consider professional help.