Contact: Abigail Davidson, Publicist, WinePress Publishing Group, 360-802-9758, abigail@winepressgroup.com

ENUMCLAW, Wash., August 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- "In the world of modeling, everything is about appearance," says supermodel Niki Taylor. "I know all too well how the world overemphasizes what we see on the outside. Girls often resort to self-destructive patterns."

One of those destructive behaviors is self-harm, a fast-growing addiction in which young people--usually teen girls--inflict pain on themselves through cutting, scratching, picking scabs, biting, hitting and burning themselves.

"Girls self-harm as a way of coping with stress and emotional pain," explains Dr. Linda Mintle, a licensed clinical social worker. The momentary "high" a girl feels when she cuts is related to endorphins releasing into her bloodstream, providing a quick numbing or pleasurable sensation that temporarily distracts her from the stress she feels.

But this temporary "fix" doesn't alleviate the underlying problems of feeling disconnected or alienated from family or friends. To permanently break the cycle of addiction, those who self-harm need to understand the root causes behind the behavior, says Nancy Alcorn, founder of Mercy Ministries and author of "Cut: Mercy for Self-Harm."

"Girls do not have to live in this bondage--they can be set free from self-harm." But behavior modification is not the answer, insists Alcorn. "It results only in outward change. Root issues must be exposed and inward pain resolved in order to experience true freedom."

In "Cut," Alcorn offers faith-based hope for those needing freedom from self-harm. She helps young women learn how to change their thought processes, suggests ways for them to seek support and accountability, and encourages with testimonies from women who have gained freedom from self-harm.

The first in Alcorn's "Mercy For..." series, "Cut" is an outgrowth of her work with Mercy Ministries of America, a non-profit organization she founded in 1983. Mercy Ministries' three residential facilities serve women between the ages of 13-28 who face life-controlling issues. Outreach programs worldwide provide young women with faith-based counseling, life-skills training and educational opportunities.

Alcorn has seen many transformed lives as a result of Mercy Ministries programs. God sees our pain and meets us where we are, she says. "God is the only one who can touch our hearts so deeply that our lives can change."

For more information, for a review copy or to schedule interviews contact Abigail Davidson by phone at 360-802-9758 or by email at abigail@winepresgroup.com.