Sometimes it’s hard for people to remember that being a teenager is hard. Teens deal with a lot of problems that may seem small to adults. However, these problems are their whole world and cause overwhelming feelings that might make them want to hurt themselves. Thankfully, Self-Injury Awareness Day brings this problem to light and aims to help some teens in the process. During this day, you can also learn how teen therapy services can help your loved one.

Self-Injury Awareness Day is important because it shines a light on a problem that often goes unseen. Teens who self-injure are often ashamed and feel like they’re the only ones who do this. They might not want to tell their parents or anyone else about it. SIAD can help these teens feel less alone and more understood. To determine whether your teen needs self-injury treatment, please contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.

What Is Self-Injury Awareness Day?

Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is a grassroots event that occurs on March 1st of every year. In fact, people all over the world participate in related events. This participation is vital because self-harm can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or religion.

Despite the word day in the title, most people raise awareness for weeks leading up to SIAD. However, the key is to involve as many people in these events as possible. SIAD only works when people talk about it and spread information.

How Can People Participate in SIAD?

People can raise awareness for SIAD in many ways. Some of them use the time to share their own stories about self-harm with others. Also, a mental health treatment center may hold a special event for the community.

During these events, people often wear orange awareness ribbons. Others draw or wear pictures of butterflies to support the Butterfly Project. This movement involves drawing butterflies on their bodies where they would normally cause self-harm.

People can learn more about what they can do for SIAD when they visit an organization that participates. In fact, several groups get involved in SIAD, including:

• YoungMinds
• ChildLine
• LifeSIGNS
• Self-Injury Foundation
• Adolescent Self-Injury Foundation

The Link Between Self-Injury and Substance Abuse

On Self-Injury Awareness Day, many groups point out the link between self-harm and substance abuse. In fact, these two issues connect in a number of ways. For example, some people are more likely to cause self-harm when they’re under the influence of drugs. On the other hand, people may drink or use drugs to numb the pain that makes them hurt themselves.

In any case, the link between drug abuse and self-injury is strong. For that reason, teens who have substance use problems have to seek treatment. During treatment, an adolescent treatment center in NC will help them get to the bottom of their substance use disorders. In many cases, the underlying problem is a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

How to Help Teens Who Self-Harm

If you think your teen is self-harming, the best thing to do is talk to them about it. Do not be judgmental or critical; just try to be understanding. Many teens start self-harming because they feel misunderstood and isolated. They might think that no one cares about them. Reassure your teen that you do care. You can also take the following steps:

• Talk to your teen about their feelings. Many times, teens self-harm as a way to deal with their emotions.
• Avoid blaming your teen. Playing the blame game is rarely helpful and may make your teen feel worse.
• Help your teen find healthy coping mechanisms. This might include exercise, journaling, or talking to a therapist.
• Seek professional help. If your teen is struggling with self-injury, they may need professional help. There are many excellent mental health professionals who can assist teens with this problem.

It’s important to remember that self-injury is a complex problem. It’s not something that can be cured overnight. With patience, love, and professional help, your teen can overcome their self-harming behaviors.

Put an End to Self-Injury Today at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we know the impact that Self-Injury Awareness Day has on adolescents. As substance abuse and depression treatment center, we work with adolescents to prevent self-injury. A few of the programs that we offer include:

• Group counseling
• Individual therapy
• Psychological testing
• Trauma therapy
• Family counseling
• Substance abuse treatment

Don’t let your loved one become a victim of their own despair. Find out more about what you can do to raise awareness during Self-Injury Awareness Day. Call us today at 866.300.5275 to learn what we can do to help someone you love.