Open Wounds, Healing Hearts – How to Overcome Teen Self-Harm
Teen mental health challenges have become increasingly prevalent in today’s society, yet many parents still struggle to recognize the signs and provide effective support. In a heartfelt episode of “15 Minutes with Dad,” host Lyric and his daughter Mariah bravely share their personal journey navigating teen self-harm, offering invaluable insights for families experiencing similar struggles.
Their story begins when Mariah was just 10 years old. After moving to Ohio and adjusting to a blended family, she began feeling neglected and overwhelmed by changes in her life. Unable to express these emotions or find healthy coping mechanisms, she turned to self-harm as a way to process her pain. Like many parents, Lyric initially missed the early warning signs. Changes in behavior, declining interest in school, and personal hygiene issues were present, but the connection to deeper emotional distress wasn’t immediately clear. It wasn’t until he physically discovered evidence of self-harm that the severity of the situation became apparent.
One of the most powerful messages throughout their conversation is dismantling the misconception that self-harm is simply attention-seeking behavior. Mariah emphasizes that it was never about gaining attention but rather a cry for help—an external expression of internal pain that she couldn’t articulate. As she explains, “It’s more trying to get your attention to see that they’re in pain and that they need your help and they need your love.” This understanding fundamentally changed how Lyric approached supporting his daughter.
The road to recovery wasn’t straightforward or quick. Lyric implemented a comprehensive support system that included school counselors, external therapists, daily check-ins, and vigilant monitoring. Some measures may seem extreme—like removing sharp objects from the home, timing showers, and not allowing closed doors—but they were necessary safety precautions during crisis moments. What stands out is how Lyric balanced these protective measures with open communication, ensuring Mariah understood these weren’t punishments but expressions of his commitment to her wellbeing.
Perhaps the most transformative element of their approach was implementing structured communication patterns. Daily check-ins that included sharing the highs and lows of the day, along with three things Mariah loved about herself, created a habit of positive self-reflection and emotional awareness. As Mariah notes, “When it’s coming from yourself, you have to see it in order to actually think it.” This practice of self-affirmation became crucial to her healing journey.
Their story also highlights how this experience transformed their relationship. Lyric had to learn to listen more than he spoke, to approach difficult conversations with patience rather than judgment, and to recognize when his own reactions might be counterproductive. In turn, Mariah developed trust that she could share her struggles without fear of punishment. The result was a deeper, more authentic bond built on mutual understanding and respect.
For parents currently in similar situations, Lyric offers reassurance: “Struggling means they’re still fighting. It doesn’t mean that they’re broken or that they cannot be fixed.” The journey requires patience, consistent love, and understanding the complex emotions teens experience. Most importantly, it demands that parents watch their language and approach, ensuring they’re not reinforcing the negative self-perceptions their teens might already be battling.
Today, Mariah has developed healthier coping strategies, including listening to music, talking about her feelings, and reaching out for support when needed. While she occasionally still struggles with overwhelming emotions, she now has the tools and support system to navigate them without returning to self-harm. Their journey demonstrates that with the right approach, healing is possible, and relationships can emerge stronger than before.