Self injurious behavior (SIB) refers to the deliberate act of inflicting pain upon oneself. SIB is a very serious diagnosis, and if left untreated, can lead to serious injuries for those living with it. With 17% of adolescents self harming, it is crucial for parents to know how to recognize SIB so that they can help their children receive the necessary help.
Symptoms
Self injurious behavior comes in many forms, some more noticeable than others. The most common forms of SIB tend to be scratching, hair pulling, blunt force, cutting, and burning. Symptoms parents should be on the lookout for include:
- Unexplained bruising
- Unexplained scarring, usually from cuts or burns.
- Frequent injuries with flimsy excuses.
- Constantly wearing long sleeves and pants, even in hot weather.
- Keeping sharp objects on hand.
Teens can be especially skilled at hiding these symptoms and coming up with excuses. Due to this, careful attention is usually needed to recognize that your teen is engaging in self injurious behavior.
Causes
For many parents, it is hard to understand why their child is self harming. The truth is that the causes of self injurious behavior are wide and complex. Usually, someone engages in such behavior due to severe emotional distress. Hurting themselves can be a way to take back control, express their distress, or punish themselves for feeling the way they do. Many times there is an underlying mental health condition at the heart of self injurious behavior, including:
- Anxiety.
- Bipolar disorder.
- Borderline personality disorder.
- Depression.
- Eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa.
- Gender dysphoria.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Sleep disorders.
- Substance abuse.
In some cases, treating the underlying mental health condition will cause the self injurious behavior to stop.
Self Injurious Behavior and Autism
Self injurious behavior is quite common in individuals with autism. In these cases, SIB is often being used as a form of communication. The individual with autism may be trying to communicate that they would like to leave, that they are hungry, or that they simply want attention. Unfortunately, parents and other caregivers often reinforce this behavior by accident. For example, you’re at a family gathering and your child begins banging their head against the wall, so you pick them up and leave. Your child has now learned that self injurious behavior can get them out of a situation they do not want to be in. However, not all SIB from autistic individuals is an attempt at communication. It can also be due to overstimulation, frustration, biochemistry in the brain, seizure activity, or a pain response.
Self Injurious Behavior Interventions
As a parent, you want to help your child in any way you can. Here are some ways you can help your child who is engaging in self injurious behavior.
- Start a Dialogue: Let your child know that you’re aware that they have been hurting themselves. Make it clear that they are not in trouble and that you are not judging them. You want your child to feel that you love them and are concerned for them. In this conversation, you should be listening more than speaking. Give your child an outlet to discuss their feelings and what they are going through. However, be prepared for a negative reaction. Your child may feel embarrassment and shame, causing them to lash out. If this happens, simply let them know that you want to help them.
- Create a Safe Environment: Try to limit your child’s ability to harm themselves. If your child cuts themselves, remove all sharp objects from the home or keep them under lock and key. Do the same for lighters if your child is burning themselves.
- Limit Social Media: Teens are constantly on social media. Unfortunately, social media negatively affects mental health. It causes them to compare their lives to those they see on social media, producing feelings of envy and isolation, as well as lowering their self confidence. These feelings can make self harming more likely.
Taking these steps is a great place to start to help your child stop engaging in self injurious behavior. Just remember to be patient and show that you care.
Types of Treatment
Most cases of SIB cannot be fully treated without professional help. Usually, the best option is an outpatient treatment program. This will allow your child to receive the help they need without disrupting their lives. Your child will learn coping skills to help them stop self harming. They will also take part in a number of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and group therapy. With professional help, your child can stop engaging in self injurious behavior, allowing them to live a happy, fulfilling life.