Cutting / Question
Published: April 12, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
2 days ago I started cutting myself. I don't know why either. I was suicidal and depressed, but that has been gone for a month. I now have a different bf that makes me happy by just seeing him. I am really happy and don't know why I cut myself but it's addictive. And now I can't stop. I think I might do it for attention, but I don't know. Know one really knows about it either. I am so confused. I told one of my best friends and she confided in me and she is doing and feeling exactly how I am. I don't know what to do. I am just so confused.
Signed: Happy But I Cut & Don't Know Why
Dear Happy But I Cut & Don't Know Why,
You are not the first teen to tell us that it is difficult to stop cutting. Cutting usually occurs in response to a stress. Even though you say that you are no long suicidal and depressed, your cutting yourself may indicate that you are not all better and still could use some help.
TeenHealthFX recommends that you talk to your parents about what is going on and then return to your therapist (if you had one) and discuss what has been going on. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you will be able to stop cutting. If you do not have a therapist, your doctor can make a recommendation. If you live in northern
Remember, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get help. You need professional guidance to help overcome your self-injuring behavior and get to the root of your problems. For some additional information about self-injury you can check this link: Self-Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E.) Alternatives.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Persons aged 15-24, who represent only 14% of the 
