Cutting / Question
Published: October 29, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 15 years old and live in Canada. I have been cutting myself since the beginning of September when I entered high school. I have been trying to stop but I have horrible difficulties doing so. I don't want my parents or friends to find out, although they are beginning to wonder where I get my scars. Do you know of any ways I can help myself to stop or any alternatives? Thanks so much
Signed: Razor
Dear Razor,
It seems to us that you have been under a lot of stress since you started high school and cutting yourself may be your way of coping with difficulties you are facing at school. Cutting is often an unhealthy way of dealing with stress as well as being a cry for help. Many people who are depressed or under severe pressure resort to "cutting" as a way of relieving tension or expressing anger. While this may seem like it provides some relief, there are many other ways that can provide healthy long-term relief of these symptoms. People who are involved in "cutting" seem to go through a cycle. Pressure builds up, they cut themselves and then they experience guilt, remorse or shame. They tell themselves they will not do it again but when the depression deepens or stress builds up the cycle returns. Unfortunately, cutting does not resolve anything and can also lead to medical complications
The best thing you can do for yourself is to get help from a mental health professional.
A therapist can help you develop healthy ways of coping with life events that can replace the cutting behavior. It would probably be a good idea to let your parents know what is going on and ask for their help. Sometimes, parents might think you are just looking for attention, and they may not recognize how much you are hurting. Using words to help them to see how you are feeling will also help you express some of the feelings that you have been keeping inside.
If you cannot get your parents to understand how you feel, perhaps you can find another adult who you trust, such as an aunt, uncle, teacher, school nurse or guidance counselor. In any event, please talk to someone soon. Cutting yourself is a very serious behavior and your life and health is precious.
For some additional information about self-injury you can check this link, Self-Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E.) Alternatives.
The one thing you have to remember that there are solutions to your problems that do not involve harming yourself. As bad as things seem now, they can and will get better with help. You can get help finding a therapist along with other health services by logging onto Health
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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