Self-Injurious Behavior

Children who exhibit self-injurious behavior (SIB) perform deliberate and repetitive acts of injuring their own body as a way to cope with overwhelming negative feelings, such as sadness, anxiety or stress, or as a way to experience some sense of feeling. SIB can also provide a way for youth to express some internal rage, to re-enact a past trauma, or to offer a brief sense of control. Research indicates that girls are more likely to self-injure than boys, and that most begin SIB between the ages of 12 and 15.

If you suspect a child is experiencing self-injury, it is important NOT to focus on the injury itself. It may be helpful to talk to a therapist about ways to address SIB with a young person.

Signs

A child that self-injures does so typically with secrecy and shame, so they will seek to hide the injuries with long clothing and try to explain the injuries with probable causes. Some forms of self-injurious behavior are:

  • cutting

  • carving

  • scratching

  • burning

  • branding

  • biting

  • bruising

  • hitting

  • picking/pulling skin and hair

More Information

Children's Mental Health Matters

Please read the campaign's fact sheet on self-injurious behavior

November 18th, 2019

Youth Mental Health First Aid® Course

The Youth Mental Health First Aid® course is designed for adults who work with youth, ages 12-18.

May 14, 2018

Young People Celebrate Mental Health through Art

One of the annual highlights of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is the Celebrating Through Art: The First Lady's Mental Health Awareness Youth Art Display & Reception hosted by Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan in Annapolis, which was held last Monday.…

May 3, 2017

School Nurses Certify in Youth Mental Health First Aid

Howard County Public Schools trained 120 nurses and other health staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid ® in the last few months.…

November 18th, 2019

Youth Mental Health First Aid® Course

The Youth Mental Health First Aid® course is designed for adults who work with youth, ages 12-18.

May 14, 2018

Young People Celebrate Mental Health through Art

One of the annual highlights of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is the Celebrating Through Art: The First Lady’s Mental Health Awareness Youth Art Display & Reception hosted by Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan in Annapolis, which was held last Monday.

May 3, 2017

School Nurses Certify in Youth Mental Health First Aid

Howard County Public Schools trained 120 nurses and other health staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid ® in the last few months.

Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs assistance or is thinking of suicide, please get help immediately.

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