Self-injury. The reasons for it are numerous. For some teens, it's a way of gaining control over their lives. For others, it's a way of dealing with feelings they can't express. Some of them scratch or cut themselves with a sharp object, while others go so far as to burn themselves with cigarettes. For some, it becomes an addiction. Experts describe it as an unhealthy coping mechanism. Most commonly, it's known simply as "cutting."

An estimated 2 million people in the United States intentionally injure themselves in some way. Most are teenagers or young adults and they come from all races and backgrounds. Self-injury is more common among females than males.

Types of self-injury
There are various forms of self-injury, including:

• Cutting with a razor blade, knife or other sharp object
• Burning with cigarettes, matches or candles
• Picking and pulling skin and hair
• Biting
• Head banging
• Breaking bones or bruising
• Plucking out hair

Why do kids cut themselves?
There are as many reasons for cutting as there are kids who do it. More girls engage in cutting than boys. Anger, frustration, depression, shame...all of these emotions can trigger self-injury. Other triggers include:

• Loss of someone close to them
• Feeling rejected or helpless
• Needing to feel something other than numbness
• Low self-esteem
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol or drug problems
• A history of child abuse or abandonment
• Bottled up emotions
• A need to take risks or to get attention
• Mental retardation or autism
• Mental illnesses, such as personality disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

The dangers of cutting
Self-injury is usually not an attempt at suicide. The act of cutting is usually done to feel better, as a way of releasing tension or gaining a sense of control. Cutting is dangerous, though, because it can become a compulsive behavior. This can cause a child to feel shame and embarrassment over his or her lack of self control, which in turn has the potential to lead to a true suicide attempt.

There is also the danger that an attempt at self-injury can cause more harm than was intended. If that's the case, injuries can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Permanent scarring is also a possibility, and can have a negative effect on body image.

Other dangers include infections, nerve damage and - if tools are shared - the risk of spreading diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Signs for parents
Look for the following signs in your child:

• Cuts or scars on the arms or legs
• Inadequate explanation of the injuries
• Hiding scars by wearing long sleeves and pants, even in hot weather.

How to help your child
If you suspect a cutting habit in your child:

• Ask about it. Your child may be relieved to share the problem with you.
• Tell your child he/she is not alone. Let him or her know that self-injury isn't uncommon and that there are plenty of people who understand and can help.
• Most importantly, seek support. Make an appointment for your child to see a mental health professional for treatment.

External Sources Nemours Foundation. Cutting. Accessed February 8, 2007. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Mind - hurting yourself. Accessed February 8, 2007.