If you or your teen is in crisis or needs immediate support, please call or text 988. Help is available 24/7, and you’re never alone.
Discovering that your teen has gone through a self-harm relapse can leave you feeling worried, heartbroken, and unsure of what to do next. Self-harm, such as cutting, scratching, or other forms of self-injury, can be your teen’s way of coping with emotional pain. Relapse happens, and while it may feel overwhelming, it’s also an important reminder that healing is rarely a straight path. What’s most important is how you approach the situation and support your teen moving forward. Our self-harm treatment is here to help your teen build healthy coping strategies and learn to manage their emotions in a more positive way.
Understanding a Self-Harm Relapse
A self-harm relapse doesn’t mean your teen has failed or that progress has been lost. Similar to other mental health challenges, recovery from self-injury takes time, effort, and understanding. Relapse is a common part of the process and often indicates that your teen is feeling overwhelmed by emotions they don’t yet know how to manage.
Relapse is not about attention-seeking or manipulative behavior; it’s a way to cope with intense feelings or mental distress. Being non-judgmental and compassionate can help your teen feel safe and open to accepting support after a self-injury relapse.
Talking to Your Teen
After discovering a cutting relapse or any form of self-harm, it’s essential to have a calm and open conversation with your teen. Choose a quiet, private time to talk when you’re both able to focus. Remember, how you approach this conversation matters. Express your care and concern without placing blame or making assumptions.
You might say something like, “I noticed some marks on your arms, and I want to check in and make sure you’re okay. I’m here to listen and help however I can.”
Listening is key here. Allow your teen to share their feelings without interrupting or reacting strongly. Showing empathy and understanding will help them feel safer opening up about their struggles.
Steps for Moving Forward
Once you’ve had a conversation, it’s time to focus on finding healthy ways to support your teen through this challenging time. The following steps can help create a path forward after self-harm relapse.
Seek Professional Help
A qualified therapist or counselor specializing in adolescent mental health can provide valuable tools and strategies for managing self-harm. Therapy can help your teen explore the root causes of their behavior, learn healthier coping mechanisms, and build self-esteem.
Create a Safety Plan for Teens
A safety plan is a proactive way to support your teen and reduce the risk of future relapses. This plan should include coping strategies your teen can use when they feel the urge to self-harm, such as practicing deep breathing, journaling, or reaching out to a trusted adult.
The plan should also identify safe people your teen can contact in moments of distress, such as you, a counselor, or a family friend. Additionally, removing easy access to sharp objects or other self-harm tools from your home is an important step in creating a safer environment.
Educate Yourself About Self-Harm
Understanding why teens self-harm and the emotions that drive these behaviors can help you approach the situation with more compassion. Self-harm is often linked to other mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety, so learning about these issues can also help you better support your teen.
Offer Unconditional Support
Let your teen know that you’re there for them through both the good days and the bad. Encouraging them to express their feelings and reassuring them that they’re not alone can have a powerful impact. Avoid focusing only on the behavior itself; instead, explore the emotions and triggers behind it.
Encourage Healthy Outlets
Helping your teen find healthier ways to cope with stress and overwhelming emotions is key. Activities like exercise, art, music, or spending time in nature can provide positive distractions and moments of relief. Encourage them to write in a journal, join a support group, or practice mindfulness techniques to process their emotions more constructively.
Taking Care of Yourself
Helping a teen through a self-injury relapse can be emotionally draining for parents and caregivers. It’s essential to prioritize your own mental health so you can be a steady support system for your teen. Seek your own support from a counselor or parent support group, and take time to engage in self-care activities that replenish your energy.
Call MCAW Now to Start the Healing Process
Recovery from self-harm is not easy, but it is possible. With patience, support, and professional help, your teen can learn healthier ways to cope and take steps toward healing. Relapse doesn’t define their progress or their potential for recovery.
If you or your teen needs immediate support, don’t hesitate to call or text 988. To learn about our treatment options, please call 855.940.6229 or connect with us online. You are not alone in this, and help is always available. Together, you can work toward a brighter, healthier future where healing and hope are within reach.
