Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Non-suicidal self-injury means that a person injures themself on purpose. For example, they may cut, scratch, or bite their skin until it bleeds. Self-injury is serious. So it's important to seek help from a health professional. People who self-injure don't do it to die. But some may also be thinking about suicide. To assess, the doctor may ask how often the injuries happen and if they bleed, bruise, or cause pain. And the doctor may ask how self-injuring makes your child feel. The doctor also may ask questions to find out if your child has other health conditions, like depression. You can look for things that make self-injury more likely. Children may be at risk if they: Your child might be self-injuring if they: If you think your child is self-injuring, talk to a doctor or a mental health professional. Self-injury is treated with counseling. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are common types of counseling for self-injury. Medicines are sometimes used with counseling. Ask your doctor about the different types of treatment. Then you can decide together about what might work best. If your child self-injures, here are some ways you can help. Look for a counselor that your child feels safe with and trusts. You can ask your child's doctor for a referral. A health professional such as your child's doctor or counselor can help you. If you are feeling emotional, it's okay to take some time to yourself. It's best to approach your child when you're feeling calm. Your usual parenting skills likely aren't the right tools to help your child. And you can't make your child stop self-injuring. Time and counseling can help your child get better. You may want to find a counselor for yourself. And look for a self-injury support group. Ask for help from trusted friends, family, and community members. These can help you learn how to model healthy coping skills. For example, you can learn how to talk about emotions. And skills like deep breathing and yoga may help you learn how to manage your emotions. If it's an emergency, call 911. Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can: Consider saving these numbers in your phone. Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Children
Overview
What is non-suicidal self-injury?
How is it diagnosed?
What puts your child at risk?
What are the signs?
How is it treated?
How can you care for your child?
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardNon-Suicidal Self-Injury in Children
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.