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Self-Harm Resources for Teens & Young Adults

Self-harm is a serious condition that involves a person purposely harming themselves.

Teen & young adult self-harm

Self-harm is a mental health condition that presents itself in several serious ways, including scratching, pulling out hair, picking at wounds, carving into the skin, piercing skin with sharp objects, and drinking toxic substances.

The reasons behind self-harm vary greatly. It could be a way to convert emotional pain into physical pain or to deal with heavy feelings of sadness. It may also be a coping mechanism for guilt, a form of self-punishment, or a way to escape from traumatic memories.

Teen & young adult self-harm support

Get support on how to recognize and navigate self-harm in teens and young adults.

A teen holds her phone and is digitally self-harming.

Yes, Digital Self-Harm Is Real—Here’s What You Need to Know

Sarah duRivage-Jacobs

A woman comforts and hugs her daughter at their home. Her daughter has expressed suicidal thoughts, and she is trying to figure out what to do and how to help.

My Child Has Expressed Suicidal Thoughts: What Do I Do?

Charlie Health Editorial Team

Op-Ed: Just Because You’ve Self-Harmed Does Not Mean You are Broken

Dr. Caroline Fenkel, DSW, LCSW

Teen looking at her phone dealing with chronic pain

The Link Between Chronic Pain and Self-Harm

Ethan Cohen BSN, RN

Teen looking out a window with her hand on her face

Is Self-Harm Addicting?

Amanda Lundberg

Teen struggling with self harm talks to parent

Warning Signs of Self-Harm in Young Adolescents

Dr. Caroline Fenkel, DSW, LCSW

Teen & young adult self-harm treatment

An intensive outpatient program can help stop the cycle of self-harm, while also addressing potential co-occurring mental health issues. Psychotherapy can be an effective way to process emotions and learn to cope with the emotions driving the self-harming practices.

The first step is to identify triggers to bring awareness to why you are feeling the negative emotions. It can also help to share your feelings within a safe environment. At Charlie Health, we facilitate both family therapy sessions and group therapy with other teens and young adults who are facing similar issues.