sh signs | Help For Parents

17%

of adolescents report engaging in self-harm at least once during their lifetime

15%

of U.S. high school students reported intentionally hurting themselves without wanting to die during the past year

50%

of teens who self-harm do not seek professional help, making early recognition and family support especially important

60%

of teens who self-harm report doing so more than once, indicating that self-harm often becomes a repeated behavior rather than a one-time event

Signs & Symptoms

Common signs of self-harm include unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises, wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather, finding sharp objects among belongings, frequent excuses for injuries, and withdrawing from friends or family. Teens may also show increased emotional distress, shame, or secrecy.