How to Tell if Your Teen Is Cutting
Pay attention to your teen’s mood., Take notice of cuts and scratches., Be on the alert for cutting tools., Notice whether your teen covers up more than usual., Pay attention to any talk about self-injury.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Pay attention to your teen’s mood.
Teens who cut are often depressed, anxious, or under a lot of stress.
If your child’s mood or self-esteem has taken a turn for the worse, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are cutting, but it does mean you should be on the lookout for other signs of a problem.For example, if your child seems more withdrawn than usual, doesn’t seem to enjoy doing many things, or says they feel overwhelmed, they might be at risk for cutting.
They may also appear depressed, sad, or blue and seem to lack energy to do anything. -
Step 2: Take notice of cuts and scratches.
Everyone gets cuts and scrapes now and then, but if your teen seems to get hurt frequently, or if their injuries never seem to heal, they may be cutting themselves.
They may also make a lot of excuses about where the marks came from.For instance, they might say something like, “My arms got scratched hiking in the woods” or “My friend’s cat scratched me.” Marks that look intentional, such as rows of parallel scratches, are typically a sure sign that your teen is cutting.
Keep an eye out for bloody tissues or bandages in the trash as well. , All kinds of things can be used to cut or scrape the skin – knives, razor blades, safety pins, paper clips, and even fingernails.
If you notice that your child has an assortment of sharp objects in their room or backpack, it may be a sign that they’re cutting., If your teen wears long pants and long sleeves in hot weather, they may be trying to hide cuts on their arms and legs.
Other warning signs may include wearing bracelets that hide their wrists and refusing to change in a locker room., If your teen mentions cutting or self-harm, even as a joke, you should take it seriously.
Talking about self-injury is a giveaway that the behavior is on your child’s mind for some reason.If your teen mentions self-harm, use it as an opportunity to start a conversation.
Ask them whether they know anyone who self-injures and how they feel about it.
This can give you a better idea of whether your teen is at risk for cutting. -
Step 3: Be on the alert for cutting tools.
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Step 4: Notice whether your teen covers up more than usual.
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Step 5: Pay attention to any talk about self-injury.
Detailed Guide
Teens who cut are often depressed, anxious, or under a lot of stress.
If your child’s mood or self-esteem has taken a turn for the worse, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are cutting, but it does mean you should be on the lookout for other signs of a problem.For example, if your child seems more withdrawn than usual, doesn’t seem to enjoy doing many things, or says they feel overwhelmed, they might be at risk for cutting.
They may also appear depressed, sad, or blue and seem to lack energy to do anything.
Everyone gets cuts and scrapes now and then, but if your teen seems to get hurt frequently, or if their injuries never seem to heal, they may be cutting themselves.
They may also make a lot of excuses about where the marks came from.For instance, they might say something like, “My arms got scratched hiking in the woods” or “My friend’s cat scratched me.” Marks that look intentional, such as rows of parallel scratches, are typically a sure sign that your teen is cutting.
Keep an eye out for bloody tissues or bandages in the trash as well. , All kinds of things can be used to cut or scrape the skin – knives, razor blades, safety pins, paper clips, and even fingernails.
If you notice that your child has an assortment of sharp objects in their room or backpack, it may be a sign that they’re cutting., If your teen wears long pants and long sleeves in hot weather, they may be trying to hide cuts on their arms and legs.
Other warning signs may include wearing bracelets that hide their wrists and refusing to change in a locker room., If your teen mentions cutting or self-harm, even as a joke, you should take it seriously.
Talking about self-injury is a giveaway that the behavior is on your child’s mind for some reason.If your teen mentions self-harm, use it as an opportunity to start a conversation.
Ask them whether they know anyone who self-injures and how they feel about it.
This can give you a better idea of whether your teen is at risk for cutting.
About the Author
Peter Jimenez
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow lifestyle tutorials.
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