Self-harming behavior can be one of a parent’s worst nightmares. Today’s teens are likely to engage in self-harming for various forms of stress relief. Because they face a range of social, academic, emotional, and societal pressures, they often feel overwhelmed. Many teens struggle to share their emotions, fears, and needs with loved ones. It can be equally difficult for parents to remember and understand the difficulties teens face. Today, there is self-harm treatment in North Carolina providing what teens need.
If your teenage son needs self-harm help, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. Our North Carolina-based programs serve teenage boys struggling with self-harm, addiction, and mental health disorders. Reach us today at 866.300.5275 or visit our website to get the self-harm help that your son needs.
What Is Self-Harm?
Repetitive physical behaviors that cause harm to the individual inflicting them are what therapists call self-harm. Cutting, burning, and other self-inflicting wounds are the most common types of self-harm. Self-harming wounds often occur in the same place on the body. For some, self-harming may become ritualized. For others, it happens suddenly and occasionally.
Self-harming wounds and behavior may be confused with attempted suicide, or parents may worry their teen struggles with suicidal ideation. Self-harm, however, is a frequent behavior that provides a release. For those struggling with psychological or emotional pain, cutting or burning can change the feelings and sensations that they are experiencing. For many, practices of self-harm work similarly to the relief that drugs or alcohol provide.
Often, self-harming behavior is a sign of underlying mental health disorders. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, among other mood disorders, can lead to self-harming behaviors. Self-harm is always best addressed by a therapist who can also test and diagnose mood disorders.
How Dangerous Is Self-Harming Behavior?
Self-harm is usually a symptom of deeper issues in need of immediate attention. Visible self-harm on areas like wrists or other areas not covered by clothing can be a teen’s attempt to seek out attention and help. Because self-harm is often a coping mechanism, it can lead to more frequent self-harm and other reckless behavior. The emotional release that comes with self-harm may decrease over time. In some cases, it may lead to suicidal ideation or substance abuse. While self-harm may not pose an immediate danger, it is a sign to get your teen the help they need.
Self-Harm Treatment in North Carolina
Unfortunately, self-harm among teens is common. If your son or one of his friends is self-harming, they are not alone. Centers like Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help. Our beautiful North Carolina clinic provides a scenic, holistic healing experience for adolescent boys. At Foothills, clients find the pace and landscape of North Carolina provides a break from their busy, urban home life. Our wilderness and equine-assisted therapies pair with traditional individual, group, and family therapy for comprehensive healing. We find that when our clients spend more time outdoors interacting with our horses, they are less likely to self-harm. Our programs also include:
- Nutrition counseling
- Exercise therapy
- Art therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Equine therapy
There are treatment centers across the country serving young bot struggling with their mental health and addiction. However, Foothills provides a unique combination of North Carolina’s wilderness with expert therapists and medical care. We also believe that family therapy is central to teen recovery and lifelong health.
Get Your Teen Help at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
If your son is engaging in self-harm, drug or alcohol abuse, or other unhealthy behavioral patterns, there is hope at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. The adolescent boys at Foothills thrive. Call us today at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our treatment and therapy programs.
