TeenHealthFX - Answers - Cutting Has Become A Habit

Cutting / Question
Published: August 10, 2007

Dear TeenHealthFX,

A few months ago. I had a breakdown. This breakdown could of taken my life. I tried committing suicide, pretty much. During that breakdown, I was exposed to cutting. I didn't really know about it. I just saw a sharp object & began to cut. I got through the breakdown, & everything is pretty much fine. But ever since that.. I continued to cut. I've had a problem ever since then. But between then & now, there were periods of time of when I didn't cut myself. I've tried methods for not cutting myself. & they've helped. but somehow I can't seem to quit. Ever since my breakdown, I haven't cut as dangerous as I did. But just b/c I'm not cutting as bad, doesnt really mean anything to me. I'm still cutting. My boyfriend knows about it. & it makes him sad when he sees cuts on my arms/wrists. He also has a problem with it. [cutting] I've promised him about 3 times that I wouldn't do it ever again. & I feel bad b/c I broke those promises. I can't even promise him again, b/c I don't know if I'll do it or not. I don't plan on doing it, it just happens. Like if somthing bad happens, or I get stressed out, or worried, or just anything bad, I might panick. & when I panick, I cut. I wouldn't say I cut dailey. but it has become a habbit. Somtimes I feel regret, & I feel ashamed after doing it. but then again, I feel somewhat satisfied, & releived. I've really been trying. & I really want to quit. but it seems so impossible. B/c everytime I do try to quit, it always ends up happening again. I do know, that I'm not close to suicide, or anything like that.. so .. I'm assuming its just a habbit? I don't know. Any advice, or suggestions?

Signed: Cutting Has Become A Habit

Dear Cutting Has Become A Habit,

TeenHealthFX is sorry to hear that things were feeling so badly for you a few months ago where you had this breakdown and tried to kill yourself. We certainly are glad to hear that since that time you have not been feeling suicidal – but are concerned about your continued self-cutting.

Self-cutting can feel very addicting for many of the people who engage in this type of behavior. It provides a type of immediate gratification, and because of that it can become a habit that is hard to break. However, this habit is a maladaptive coping strategy that is accompanied by many different problems – so it is a good idea to work towards breaking it, and FX applauds you for wanting to do so.

To stop the self-cutting, FX recommends that you meet with a mental health professional trained in working with teens who self-cut. By meeting with a therapist you can identify triggers for the times when you cut, work through the issues contributing to the cutting (and past suicidal thoughts, if necessary), and develop alternate and healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations and negative emotions. Breaking any bad habit can be a tough thing to do, and a therapist can provide you with the support and guidance you need to achieve your goal.

In addition to setting up therapy sessions for yourself, FX recommends that you write lists and use ideas from these lists about the following two issues:

What are some other activities you can do when feeling sad, angry or stressed out? (For example, you can exercise, journal, paint, or listen to music).
What can you do in moments where you feel like cutting and are worried you will not be able to stop yourself? (For example, you can paint your nails so you can’t use your hands, call someone and talk on the phone the moment you feel you may cut, make plans to be with someone the minute you feel the urge to cut, go to a public place where you won’t be able to cut, or distract yourself with some other activity).

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.

You can also contact the Self-Injury Hotline (information only, not a crisis line) at 1-800-DON’T-CUT, 1-800-366-8288.

You said that you are not close to suicide, but just in case 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