Self-Mutilation

Self mutilation is one of the least understood but often alarming adolescent behaviors today . It is estimated that for every 100 ,000 adolescents , between 750 to 1 ,800 will exhibit self-injurious behaviors Among this population , more than 70 are females and many of whom were abused . Although students who self mutilate secretly engage in cutting scratching , burning , head banging , picking , poking and hair pulling these repetitive behaviors are done in bathrooms , empty locker rooms or other isolated areas . The most common classification of self-mutilation is Repetitive Self-Mutilation Syndrome (RSM , also referred to

as self-injurious behavior , parasuicidal behavior and deliberate self-harm Similar to eating dis , shoplifting and substance abuse , RSM is an impulse dis . This behavior occurs intermittently following some precipitating event . Instead of experiencing a sensation of pain , active self-mutilators achieve a sense of relief , release , calm or satisfaction

While parents , school personnel , coaches and PE instructors are in the best position to detect evidence of self-mutilation , everyone involve in the education of the adolescents must be aware of the signs of RSM so treatment and intervention may be provided by trained mental health professionals . When students exhibit signs of self-mutilation by wearing inappropriate clothing to conceal scars , spending unusual amount of time in the bathroom or isolated areas , or manifesting signs of aggression repressed anger , depression , social and emotional isolation and disconnectedness during class activities interaction with peers or classroom teachers , it is necessary to offer safe , caring and non-judgmental support . As the school administrator 's commitment in providing...