The Center

Provides Resources, Help for Self-Mutilation

Edmonds, WA (Aug 22, 2011) - Cutting and self-mutilation are silent and often damaging cries for help, affecting roughly 25% of today’s youth between the ages of 13 and 19. Most who self-injure are female but males do so as well. Whether suffering from depression, anxiety or another form of hurt or anger, self-injury is a painful yet private external expression of severe internal pain. Dr. Gregory l. Jantz, PhD and founder of The Center for Counseling & Health Resources, urges sufferers to seek treatment for cutting and self-mutilation before it’s too late.

The Mayo Clinic defines self-injury as "the act of deliberately harming your own body... not meant as a suicide attempt... rather self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration." There are numerous forms of self-injury from pulling out hair to interfering with wound healing to breaking bones. The following are the most common forms of self-mutilation and their most dangerous side effects:

Cutters - scarring; infections; excess loss of blood; weakness/numbness from severing nerves, blood vessels and muscles

Burners - scarring; infections; limb loss from burning with chemicals or acids

Head Bangers - bruising, swelling, long-term brain damage

"Most often, self-injurers are struggling with emotional issues such as depression, stress, eating disorders, lack of self-esteem and the inability to cope," says Dr. Jantz. "Out of a need for control, they hurt themselves knowing they will experience physical pain and, for them, that is better than feeling nothing at all. Without help and therapy, it usually only gets worse."

Dr. Jantz’ 25-plus books offer advice on how to deal with unhappy and struggling teenagers and adults. The Center also offers loving, whole-person treatment for the underlying issues that lead to this kind of self-destruction.

APlaceofHope.com is the most informative and private means of getting help on the Internet and will direct you to Dr. Jantz’ books, The Center and all the physical, emotional and spiritual resources you need to move forward.