Self-Injury and Cutting: Stopping the Pain (Helpline: Teen Issues and Answers)

Self-injury and cutting refers to harming one's own body on purpose, a troubling problem that tends to begin in the teen or early adult years. Also known by several other terms, including "self-harm" and "self-mutilation," the behavior is often used as an outlet to get temporary relief from tormenting emotions. Written by a medical doctor, this book offers honest information about self-injury, who it tends to affect, and possible reasons people self-injure. The author is straightforward, yet sympathetic and supportive, in detailing the dangers of the behavior and how teens can help themselves or others to stop. Myths and facts, questions for a therapist, and organizations to contact for further information are helpful features. This book explains how teens deal with powerful emotions by replacing the emotional pain with physical pain, discussing the serious consequences of permanently damaging your body and how to seek help for yourself. What is self-injury? Who performs self-injury? Why do people self-injure? Self-injury and mental health The dangers of self-injury Stopping self-injury Helping friends who self-injure.