TeenHealthFX - Answers - Self-Cutting - Friend Is Suicidal And Dad Always Yells

Cutting / Question
Published: March 30, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

im 13 years old and i cut myself. i started cutting a month ago because i have been depressed. One Thing is tht one of my friends wants too kill herself. The other thing is my parents. My Dad yells at me when i do something wrong. I have been having problems at school. People are hating on me. and everything. I tell myself i will stop cutting but i keep having this feeling too cut myself everyday. What do i do???

Signed: Self-Cutting - Friend Is Suicidal And Dad Always Yells

Dear Self-Cutting - Friend Is Suicidal And Dad Always Yells,

TeenHealthFX thinks that it is important for you to meet with a mental health professional right away. A therapist can determine whether or not you are dealing with a depressive disorder and can work with you to develop an effective treatment plan that will alleviate your depressive symptoms. This could include individual therapy, family therapy, medication management, or some combination of the three. A therapist could also help you to develop alternate, healthier coping mechanisms to cutting, and could meet with you and your father to address the continued yelling and conflicts that are occurring in the home. Finally, a mental health professional could help you figure out how to address any problematic peer issues, as well as how to deal with your friend’s suicidal statements in a way that ensures her well-being and that also helps you to feel less pressure and anxiety with that situation.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. 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 your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of 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.

Please also read the answers to Friend Told Me She Is Going To Kill Herself and Best Friend Says She Wants To Kill Herself for additional help in dealing with your best friend who is threatening to hurt herself.

Signed: TeenHealthFX