Self-harm among teens is on the rise—here’s why

While trying to cope with emotional pain or discomfort, some teens and young adults turn to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)—like cutting, burning, self-hitting, or scratching—to manage these difficult or overwhelming feelings.

“Those who engage in NSSIs are seeking a way to calm themselves, or to cope with negative emotions,” says Allison Kress, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in Seattle, Washington, and leading expert in cutting and self-injury.

Dr. Kress says self-injury is very common and appears to be on the rise. About 17 percent of adolescents have self-harmed at some point. Kress cautions that if it isn’t properly addressed, the practice can sometimes escalate, and in some cases, continue into adulthood.