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Kids Who Cut
Recognizing the Signs of Self-Injury By Jacqueline Bodnar
"Adolescents who engage in this behavior likely lack appropriate problem solving or emotion coping skills and should be referred for cognitive-behavioral treatment with a licensed psychologist," says Dr. Prinstein. Self-injury is usually a symptom of an underlying problem. Therefore, it's important to find out what the problem is that's motivating the behavior. This behavior should not be ignored or be considered a phase a child is going through.
Parents who suspect a child may be cutting should express their concerns to him or her and directly ask if they have been cutting. If there is a pattern of this behavior, then it is important that the youth receive a comprehensive mental health evaluation, which may lead to therapy, whereby a therapist will evaluate motives for cutting and will develop healthier coping skills.
An important thing to keep in mind about kids who cut is that they are typically not trying to kill themselves. They usually cut themselves in a way that will only leave them with a scar instead of any major injuries. Parents who recognize a child is cutting should see it is a sign that there is something wrong. "Try to understand why she is doing it versus just getting her to stop," says Dr. Boesky.