Teenagers With Destructive Behaviors

Teenagers often turn to destructive behaviors when they are struggling with feelings of self worth and esteem. One of those behaviors which has seen a marked increase in popularity recently is cutting.

This practice involves the process of a teenager cutting themselves in inconspicuous places. Most teens who do this say that the pain produces a feeling of release or it allows them to feel alive. Others do it because they feel like they need to punish themselves for who they are.

Teens are generally a depressed bunch of individuals. But cutting and other destructive behaviors takes the depression to an entirely different level. The warning signs of cutting are very similar to that of depression (i.e., increased isolation, lack of interest in activities), so it is not an easy subject for the concerned parent to approach.

While many of the signals are one in the same, it does not necessarily follow that a depressed teen is also a cutter. Therefore, there is little that the parent can do to differentiate the two.

Parents who believe that their own kids may be struggling with this practice should do some research to find help in your area. There are resources available which will allow you to tackle destructive behaviors in a way that shows your teen that you value them and that you want what is best for them.

Let your teen know that they don't need to go about fixing themselves without support and make sure they understand that you are willing to tackle all of these issues together.

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