1. Seen, But Not Heard: Self-injury, a cry for help
By: Millie Clemmons and Erin Stokes, School Counselors

2. What is self-injury?
Also referred to as deliberate self-harm (DSH) or non-suicidal self-directed violence (SDV)
Deliberate, non-life threatening self-effected bodily harm or disfigurement of a socially unacceptable nature
Examples include: cutting, burning, scratching, carving, biting, pinching, interfering with healing, hitting head on or with objects, and hair pulling (trichotillomania)
Teens and Self-cutting (Self-harm): Information for Parents

3. How do teens self-injure?
Razors
Knives
Pins/needles
Broken glass
Blades from pencil sharpeners
Pencil erasers
Teens and Self-cutting (Self-harm): Information for Parents

4. Where do teens self-injure?
Arms
Wrists
Ankles
Lower legs
Abdomen
Inner thighs
Teens and Self-cutting (Self-harm): Information for Parents

5. Why do teens self-injure?
To get relief from painful or
distressing feelings (anger, loneliness, sadness, etc.)
To deal with feelings of numbness
To communicate pain or distress to others
To punish themselves
Stems from deep shame, guilt, or self-hatred
Deeply addictive experience

7. How common is self-injury?
Approximately two million cases reported annually in the United States
90% begin in teen or pre-adolescent years
Accurate statistics difficult to collect because most individuals who self-injure keep it hidden
Self-injury, Self-harm Statistics and Facts

8. Self-injury Versus Suicidal Behavior
In MOST cases, teens who self-injure do so with no intention to commit suicide
Goal of suicide-ending life to escape all feelings
Goal of SI-to feel emotionally better
Due to the dangerous nature of SI, some teens may accidentally injure themselves to the point of death
Teens who self-injure may suffer from other mental health disorders that increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Teens and Self-cutting (Self-harm): Information for Parents

10. Co-occurring disorders:
Depression
Post traumatic stress disorder
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Eating disorders
Self-injury: Statistics, Causes, Signs and Symptoms

11. Risk Factors
Gender: Females are at greater risk of self-cutting than males.
Age: SI often starts in early teens.
Friends: Being around people or friends who self-cut.
Life issues: Being in unstable/dysfunctional relationships or having experienced traumatic events.
Source: aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/1104/

13. Risk Factors, continued
Mental health issues: Self-cutters often have poor coping skills and/or mental disorders.
Excessive alcohol or drug use: Self-cutters often harm themselves while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Source: aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/1104/

14. Warning Signs Marks on the body, such as cuts or burn marks.
Cutting instruments found among teen’s belongings.
Hearing of teenage friends/peers who are cutting themselves.
Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts consistently.
Source: aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/1104/

15. Warning Signs, continued
Wearing thick wristbands that are never removed.
Blood stains on clothing.
Secretive / elusive behavior
Spending lengthy periods of time alone.
Source: aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/1104/

17. Treatment of Self-Cutting
Seek professional help immediately.
Talk to family doctor or health dept. to find a mental health program.
Source: aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/1104/

18. Treatment of Self-Cutting
Treatments might include:
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Medication
In-patient hospitalization
Source: aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/1104/

19. Treatment, continued 12-step programs.
Stress reduction and stress management skills.
Complete abstinence from the behavior in a safe and structured environment may be necessary.
Stress, anxiety, and/or depression need to be addressed as indicated.
Positive, healthy coping skills need to be learned.
Source: aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/1104/

20. The Butterfly Project The Rules:
When you feel like you want to cut, take a marker or pen and draw a butterfly on wherever the self-harm occurs.
Name the butterfly after a loved one, or someone that really wants you to get better
Source:

21. The Butterfly Project, cont.
3. NO scrubbing the butterfly off. It has to come off of your body naturally.
4. If you cut before the butterfly is gone, it dies. If you don’t cut, it lives.
5. If you have more than one butterfly, cutting kills them all.
Source:

22. The Butterfly Project, cont.
6. Another person may draw them on you. These butterflies are extra special. Take good care of them.
7. Even if you don’t cut, feel free to draw a butterfly anyway, to show your support. If you do this, name it after someone you know that is suffering right now, and tell them.
Source:

23. The Butterfly Project, cont.
8. Try keeping track of how many butterflies have successfully flown away. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and strength.
Source:

24. Instead of Cutting... Find something to do that will distract you.
Find something to do that’s soothing / calming.
Find something to do that will release physical tension / distress.
Use a rubber band.
Source: kidshealth.org

26. What Can You Do? Call 911 for immediate health risk.
Remain calm and nonjudgmental.
Obtain professional services from mental health professional.
Provide moral and nurturing support.
Participate in the child’s recovery.
Support the child with an open and understanding heart.
Source: aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/1104/

27. Questions?

28. Thursday, February 26th 6:30 - 8
Mark your calendars…
Thursday, February 26th 6:30 - 8
High School and College Information with College Foundation of North Carolina