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Few things trigger a more immediate panic reaction in parents than finding out that a child is engaging in self-harm. Unfortunately, it’s fairly common, and the reaction of the parent plays an important role in helping teens in the recovery process. Cutting into the skin is the most widely known form of self-harm. Teens do this using their fingernails, razor blades, knives, or even pen caps. Self-harm can also come in the form of burns, skin picking, hair pulling, or even hitting oneself. Kids with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder are all at risk for self-harm, but so are kids with a history of trauma, neglect, or abuse. Other potential risks for self-harm include the following: Low self-esteem Feeling rejected or lonely Feeling unsafe at school or at home Perfectionism Frequent conflicts with friends or family Impulsive behavior A tendency to take unhealthy risks (behaviors that could result in physical...