TeenHealthFX - Answers - Want Help But Scared To See Someone

Cutting / Question
Published: May 7, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

For the past year or so, I have found myself very depressed at most times, especially when I'm home. I don't get along with my step mom and I went through a really tough breakup and like I said, I have been really upset. I have cut my arms before, not to kill myself, it's complicated. I want help but I'm scared to see anyone. What Should I do?

Signed: Want Help But Scared To See Someone

Dear Want Help But Scared To See Someone,

Sometimes people are afraid to tell others about their problems out of fear of being ridiculed by the other person. In reality many people experience emotional problems at some time in their life and can easily relate to another person's troubles.

Feeling depressed for over a year and cutting yourself is not a good way for you to live, especially when there is help for these problems. By writing to TeenHealthFX you have shown that you are ready to do something and just have to take the next step.

Talk to your parent(s), a trusted adult, school nurse or school counselor and let them know how you are feeling. Any of these people may be able to help you or could assist in finding a therapist who deals with these kinds of issues. Depression is an illness that many teenagers face and there are effective treatments for it. Sometimes talking about the problem will resolve it and sometimes medication is needed.

Meeting with a person to talk about problems for the first time can be a bit intimidating. As time goes by you will become more comfortable and wonder why you waited so long in the first place.

Check out some other questions TeenHealthFX has received about cutting - Cutting Myself and So Sad and also S.A.F.E. for more information as well as some resources for you.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area.

Although you did not mention it, sometimes people who feel overwhelmed and very alone think about suicide. If you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week

Signed: TeenHealthFX