Cutting / Question
Published: February 28, 2007
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 14 years old and I just started cutting myself. I started when one of my fiends died of cancer, but it's been weeks and I can't stop now. I saw the school guidance counselor, but that didn't help me at all. I'm not comfortable talking to my parents about this sort of thing, and I want to talk to this teacher who I developed a really good relationship with last year, but I've tried and chickened out every time I've seen him this year. I just can't start the conversation. I know that I need help, but I just can't ask for the help that I need. Thanks for reading this.
Signed: Started Cutting After One Of My Friends Died
Dear Started Cutting After One Of My Friends Died,
TeenHealthFX is very sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a friend – especially at such a young age – is an incredibly difficult thing to deal with. So FX can appreciate that you are having a tough time dealing with all of the thoughts and feelings you are having about this. FX does think that it is important for you to seek out the support and guidance from someone who can help you through this difficult time – particularly someone who can help you to develop alternate and healthier methods of coping with any negative emotions that come up for you. If you feel comfortable with this particular teacher, and that feels like a good starting point for you – FX recommends that you either schedule a time with this teacher to talk when neither of you are in a rush or are likely to be disturbed. Or you could even show your teacher this question and answer and let your teacher start up the actual talking if that would feel easier for you.
While FX thinks that it is important to reach out to trusted adults around you for support and guidance, such as your teacher, if you are finding that you are having trouble stopping your self-cutting, FX does recommend that you meet with a mental health professional trained in working with people who cut. Once your teacher is aware of what it going on, you could always enlist his help in speaking to your parents about arranging a consultation for you with a mental health professional.
If you live in northern
You can also contact the Self-Injury Hotline (information only, not a crisis line) at 1-800-DON’T-CUT, 1-800-366-8288.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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