Parents/Guardians Encourage Parents to be Aware of Possible Self Harm by Children

Thursday, January 18th, 2024 -- 1:00 PM

As students begin the spring semester, the Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages parents and caregivers to be aware of Wisconsin Emergency Department data from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program that shows young people experience large increases in self-harm injuries at certain times of the year, including when school resumes after the winter holidays.

Self-harming increased among youth by nearly 40% in September 2022 and January 2023 compared to each of the preceding months. While September 2023 showed a smaller spike in self-harming (14% increase from August 2023), it still represents a significant concern.

Self-harm refers to intentional actions to hurt oneself. Examples include cutting, hitting, poisoning, or burning. Self-harm may be done to express or lessen emotional pain.

While someone who self-harms may not have the intention of suicide, they may be at greater risk of a suicide attempt or dying by suicide if they do not receive help. Signs that a young person may be self-harming include:

• Increased secrecy;
• Emotional withdrawal or changes in mood and behavior;
• Reduced time with peers or family members;
• Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises, these typically occur on the arms, legs, and stomach;
• Finding razors, sharps, knives, or other items that may be used to self-injure;
• And keeping arms and legs covered even when it is inconvenient to do so.

Parents or guardians and others looking to help a young person who is self-harming can take the following actions:

• Do not ignore the problem or treat it like a passing fad;
• Listen to them without judgement, do not try to problem solve or put things in a more positive light for them, but instead focus on confirming what you are hearing them tell you;
• Recognize when the help of a professional is needed, you can find information on the signs of a mental health crisis, including situations that require an immediate call for professional help on the Crisis Services: Identifying a Crisis page.

While someone who self-harms may or may not have the intention to die by suicide, it may, however, put a person at greater risk for repeated self-harm, suicide attempt, or death by suicide.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.