When Your Teen Is Self-Harming
Finding out your teen is hurting themselves is frightening, and how you respond in the first days matters. This guide helps you stay calm, understand why some teens self-harm, talk about it, and get help.
We're not clinicians or doctors, and this practical guide isn't medical advice. For guidance about your teen, always talk with their doctor or therapist. If you're worried about their safety, call or text 988, or call 911.
If you're new here, start with these
What to Do If You Find Out Your Teen Is Self-Harming
If you find out your teen is self-harming, the first steps are to stay calm, make sure they are physically safe, and get medical care if an injury loo…
ThenHow to Talk With Your Teen About Self-Harm
The most helpful way to talk with your teen about self-harm is to stay calm, say plainly what you've noticed and that you care, and listen far more th…
ThenWhy Some Teens Self-Harm, and What Parents Can Understand
Most teens who self-harm are trying to cope with feelings that feel too big to handle, such as sadness, anger, loneliness, emptiness, or a sense of ha…
Self-Harm
You don't have to figure out the next step alone
We're not clinicians, so the Getting Help guide explains your options in plain language and points you toward people who can evaluate your teen. If you're worried about safety, call or text 988, or call 911.