Clint Eastwood Youth Program - CEYP Newsletter
Issue 17: Could someone you know be a “cutter?"
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It is difficult to understand why anyone would intentionally cause themselves pain or injury, but it is estimated that 1% of Americans “self-injure.” Certainly, no parent wants to believe his or her child could be capable of such a thing, but this phenomenon is on the rise and must not be ignored. Self-injuring behavior is shrouded in shame and secrecy; untreated, it may lead to more serious selfdestructive behaviors. |
Self-injury can take different forms:
- cutting oneself with a sharp object (razor, knife, scissors, glass, etc.)
- skin-carving or -burning
- punching or scratching oneself
- needle-sticking
- head-banging
- eye-pressing
- finger- or arm-biting
- pulling out clumps of hair
- picking at one’s skin
- broken bones
- amputation
- castration
Self-injury may be considered “crazy behavior,” seen as attention seeking, or viewed as a suicidal gesture, but it is generally an attempt to feel in control, or to cope with emotional pain, anger, and/or anxiety.
What Type of Person Selfinjures?
Anyone can self-injure, although girls are more likely than boys to do so. Self-injury, because it is done secretively and usually hidden from others, may be difficult to identify. Adolescents who have difficulty talking about their feelingsmay demonstrate their overwhelming emotions through self-injury. Self-injury is most prevalent in teens who:
- dislike themselves
- are hypersensitive to rejection (real or perceived)
- feel chronic or suppressed anger
- exhibit poor impulse control, typically acting “in the moment,” with no consideration of consequences
- are chronically irritable, depressed, and/or anxious
- have limited or poor coping skills
- feel they have no control of their lives
People who injure themselves are in a great deal of psychological distress. One 14-year-old reports that cutting or burning her skin relieves her tension and anxiety. After fighting with her parents or getting dumped by a boyfriend, she may burn and cut herself as a distraction from her problems and to “feel better,” at least temporarily. The act of cutting or burning numbs the unbearable tension of anger, depression, anxiety, and/or guilt, providing temporary relief by blocking out internal distraction and painful feelings. Adolescents who injure themselves generally have low self-esteem; they may feel that they have disappointed everyone, that they’re not good enough, and/or that nobody loves them or really cares about them.
Warning Signs to Watch for
- cuts or burns on the arms, legs, or abdomen
- dressing inappropriately for the weather and/or event (long sleeves or other concealing clothes when a bathing suit or shorts and a tank top would be more fitting)
- knives, razors, scissors, or other sharp objects hidden or kept inappropriately
- association with or acceptance of others who self-injure
- unexplained blood on tissues, towels, or clothing