by Leia Owen

According to about 40 surveys conducted at Hudson High School earlier this month, 54% of students stated that they or someone they knew had intentionally harmed themselves. Repetitive self-mutilation, also known as RSM, is a growing problem among teenagers in our country and even in our school.

“At least 50-75% of the students I see have engaged in self-injurious behaviors, either currently or in the past,” Jamie Gravelle, our school social worker, said.

The number of self-injurious students is on the rise at a national level, but also here at Hudson High. Guidance counselor Erin Learnerd reports that the issue of students hurting themselves has recently been “coming to her attention more,” even though it has always been a problem.

“I have seen an increase in the last 10 years. I think this has to do with it gaining a lot of media attention,” Gravelle said.

TV shows, music, books, movies and many other types of media depict self-injury in many different forms. Songs about razors and suicide are flowing in the ears of teenagers frequently. Many television shows include characters that hurt themselves, and so do books and movies. However, the largest source for RSM in the media is the internet.

“I have a blog on tumblr, and I’ve seen too many posts about cutting. Pictures, poems, etc. It’s disturbing,” one student said.

A common misconception is that people who hurt themselves do it for attention. In fact, students who self-injure often try to keep it hidden.

“I do sports, so I had to keep it mostly on my abdomen. It had to be somewhere nobody would see,” one student said.

Why do it? Neglect, abuse, and emotional trauma are only some of the factors in self-injury.

“My dad beat me, and my mom would say nasty stuff to me… so I burned myself with a lighter. I would get high and hold the flame over my arms and legs,” another student said.

For others, it can be something entirely different. Some do it out of stress, emotional pain, and more.

“I hated myself. Every time I looked in the mirror I was… I just didn’t like what I saw, on the inside or the outside, so when I showered I would cut my arms and  legs, and then wear clothes that hid it,” a different student said.

Drugs and alcohol can also be linked with self-mutilation. Some students have reported that they would abuse different substances and then proceed to hurt themselves.

“I got high a lot, and I would run a knife over my legs. It was reckless and stupid, but it made me feel better for a while.”

Although self-injury is a big problem, the few who are aware of it treat it as a taboo. The topic of teenagers hurting themselves out of emotional pain is avoided and treated as though it’s a nonexistent issue. However, it is a problem, and some believe that it spreads in peer groups.

“I didn’t realize how big of a problem it was until I started talking to my friends. I have one friend who used to, and another that I convinced not to,” another student said.

It is an avoided subject, but that doesn’t mean students should avoid seeking help.

Guidance, administration, and students all say the same thing to those who are currently hurting themselves.

“I think the most important thing is to let students know that there are caring, supportive, non-judgemental adults who understand why they are self-injuring, and that we can help them find healthier coping strategies for dealing with stress,” Gravelle said.

They are here to help you through anything. They are willing to work with you and do anything they can to keep you safe. If you or someone you know is thinking about self-mutilation or suicide, please contact anyone in guidance or administration.

** All students interviewed have assured us that they have sought help and no longer self-mutilate, and administrators have provided contact information and offered guidance to all.

Facts About RSM:

-People who self mutilate are typically not trying to commit suicide. In fact,  through the injury they feel they can continue to live.

-Types of self-mutilation include “cutting,” burning, hair pulling, hitting, and head banging.

-Girls are more likely to self-injure than boys, but people of both genders do it.

If someone you know tells you that they self-injure:

-First, take care of their medical needs.

-Do not react with horror or judgment.

-Offer to listen, but don’t pretend to know how they feel.

-Encourage them to tell a trusted adult.