...who still don't get it. when an adolescent acts inappropriately and you insist he's just doing it for attention, you are probably right. On the other hand, would a perfectly normal child run around the school hallways banging a fist against walls until he breaks a bone? This self- injury might be a way of calling out for help because he believes this is the only way someone will try to soothe his angst. This self-caused physical pain may be a way to try to replace the emotional pain that has enveloped his being and make it real. it's more acceptable to hurt physically than emotionally.
