The Current Why are more young Canadians self-harming?
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Mar 23, 2026 Caroline Bozanko, a Calgary psychologist who works with teens, Dr. Natasha Saunders, a pediatric researcher at SickKids, and Alex Anna, a Montreal filmmaker who made a film about their self-harm journey, discuss rising youth self-harm rates. They cover how self-injury starts and functions, recent research showing sharp increases, social media and contagion, recovery paths, and practical steps for parents and schools.
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Teenage Secret Coping Mechanism
- Alex Anna began self-harming at 13 as a secret coping mechanism for overwhelming feelings and depression.
- They described cutting as externalizing internal pain and a way to punish themselves for feeling unlovable.
Hidden Relief Not Always Suicidal
- Alex Anna said cutting was secretive and felt like a private game that made them appear mysterious as a teen.
- They stressed it gave relief by moving pain outside the body and stopping spiraling thoughts, not necessarily signaling suicidal intent.
Use Safer Coping Tools And Professional Help
- Alex Anna described alternatives that helped: hospitalization, therapy, trusted people, journaling, music, and using a red crayon to mark skin instead of cutting.
- They stressed recovery is ongoing and those tools help regulate impulses when triggers arise.