Cutting / Question
Published: January 26, 2006
Dear TeenHealthFX,
hi, its me again(the boy from australia)(aussykbr). this is still about the same girl, but this time its worse. instead of just me thinking im obsessed with her, all of her friends do too. ive been thinking that i shud stop all contact with her. also, i havnt told any1 else this but, ive actually been cutting since i left skool. i think it might be bcoz i think i wont ever see her again. my mum also saw some of the cuts on my wrists and told me that if she ever catches me again she will kil herself, and thats not hard to belive bcoz she is an alcoholic. can u plz help me decide weather to stop contact with her, or to go on like i am? plz help me b4 i do summin stupid. from aussykbr
Signed: Just me Thinking I Am Obsessed With Her?
Dear Just me Thinking I Am Obsessed With Her?,
It sounds like you are under considerable stress and your emotions have been on a roller coaster. It would be hard for you to gauge your feelings about this girl considering what you have been experiencing. The person who would is in the best position to tell you if your behavior has been inappropriate is the girl you fear you may be obsessed with. If she has expressed any discomfort with the amount of attention you have been showing her, then you will need to tone it down or back off completely.
TeenHealthFX is very concerned that you have been dealing with the stress and anxiety in your life by “cutting.” While this activity may bring you initial relief, it is an ineffective way to deal with problems. Eventually the behavior could become habitual and become a vicious cycle that is hard to stop (see Cutting Myself.) There are other healthier was to deal with your current situation that do not involve harming yourself.
Your mother’s response to the cuts on your wrist may reflect her concern and how helpless she feels when she sees her son harming himself. However, telling you that she would kill herself must only add to the misery and confusion you have been experiencing. The best thing you can do for your mother and you is to get help for yourself. Having a parent who is alcoholic can frequently make a child feel lonely and isolated with nowhere to turn. You have to realize there are people out there who care about you and would want to help. All you have to do is give them a chance. Perhaps there is a family member, neighbor or somebody in school who is an adult who could listen and have the capacity to find the proper services that could provide you with some relief.
To find mental health services you could log onto Lifeline or call them at 13 11 14. You could also find out about available services that could benefit your mother. But remember alcoholism is a disease that your mother will need to battle on her own. The only thing you can do is be supportive and let her know you care.
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. The easiest option would be to go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens often abuse prescription drugs because of the myth that these drugs provide a medically safe high.
