Self-Injurious Behaviors

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of self-injurious behavior are different depending on the type of self-injurious behavior. The following is a list of typical signs and symptoms of self-injurious behavior. 

Your child may be injuring themself if they:

• Shows evidence of cutting (shallow cuts on a child’s arms, legs, or abdomen)
• Has areas of plucked skin and hair
• Bangs their head on walls or other hard surfaces
• Begins to have excessive tattooing or body piercing
• Has visible scratches
• Begins to develop scars
• Has burn marks
• Develops low self-esteem
• Has a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect

Tip

Other mental health issues usually accompany self-injurious behaviors. If you are concerned that your child may be injuring themself, then you may need to consider other mental health issues as well. Also, some children who hurt themselves may lack certain coping and communication skills and may need help developing these skills.