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In the United States, as many as 35 percent of adolescents intentionally inflict harm to their bodies. This is called self-harming, self-injury, or self-abuse. Often, people who take part in this type of behavior have some underlying emotional trauma or disorder. They harm themselves by either cutting, burning, punching, throwing themselves against objects such as a wall, pulling out hair, or biting. These things are done as a way of coping with emotions such as pain, fear, self-loathing, sadness, rage, or guilt. The addictive self-harm behaviors take away these feelings temporarily, and as a result, the action is often repeated on an ongoing basis. Because this is usually a sign of deeper problems, help is needed to overcome this condition. Also, self-harming behavior can result in serious injury or loss of life if severe blood loss occurs or infection sets in.

Addictive self-harm behaviors in teens often go unnoticed until serious harm has been done. Learn more about this disturbing behavior and what to do.

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