self mutilation

[Flip52]

My teenager has been cutting her arm with her fingernails.
She does this when she gets angry.Is something seriously wrong with her?Why would she inflict pain on herself?Is this something to be seriously alarmed about?
Thanks

[feelingalonealways]

A related discussion, Teen Self Mutilation was started.

[the star that bleeds]

To all those that are worried about a self-mutilator u know, If u think u know someone that is causeing damage to themselves in some way take a deep breath first. If it is a tennager dont get angry, don't  smile, laugh ask if they r jokeing, nothing they will shut u out right away. When talking about dont worry they will close up and if u see that happening step aside let them breath for a bit it is as big as a promblem for them as it is for u, but let them know u are going to wanna talk later about it. Not always does anyone know why they do it. I myself when i was young would find joy in placeing a blade to my skin, i still dont really know way i did wat i did. None of the scars from the cuts stayed longer than a few years they are barely to small to see. And please keep in mind there is more than one way to cause damage to your body. Most of the times people that cut themselves, or damage them selves in some way dont wanna die just want to escape from ther point in there lives. Some do it because then people notice them and they like that. If this is the cause make sure they know there are other was to get this craveing for attention but dont directly say it show it but make sure they know  you are doing so. Useally someone who does damage themsleves have something other than cutting that takes there mine off there pain welther its a good friend, music, t.v. e.t.c. Theres many things that take someones mind off of something if u notice that one thing try and let them use or see that one thing enough to make them smile. For me as growing up it was my friends but my family would always bother me because the felt my friends was the most important people in my life and that wasnt true but i wanted it to be just to make them mad becuase they wouldn't leave me alone. The best thing to do is help but just remeber to breath. MAny other people can help im one of those tiny few just giveing a word to those this was ment to be heard.

[Nikki77]

My sis was a cutter when she was young.  Any time a child takes anger out on themselves in a way that harms them you must take them in for an evaluation.  The longer it lasts the harder it is to quit.  It is an addictive behavior and it becomes second nature to harm themselves after a point.  
Go Seek Help Immediately for you Children.  
These problems become so serious that later in life they will have scars that will never go away.  Emotionally and Physically.
My sister cannot wear the wedding dress she picked out now without wearing sleeved gloves that come up to the elbow.

Nikki

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You should seek immediate professional assistance by way of evaluation by a mental health clinician.

[Heartbroken Mom]

I just noticed that my daughter cuts herself on the arm when she makes bad decisions that she knows is wrong.  What should I do about it?  Her father and I are divorced, he's known for 4 yrs. and never said a thing to me about it.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It's never a good sign when people display self harm when they are angry. Now, if this occurs only very seldom, it may not be much of a worry. But if it is a pattern and part of her regular expression of anger, it does deserve professional intervention. Try to arrange an evaluation with a mental health professional (if she is seventeen or younger). If she's eighteen or older she'll have to arrange the appointment herself.