TeenHealthFX - Answers - Think Cutting My Hair Has Become My Outlet

Other Emotional Health Issues / Question
Published: October 14, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I'm a 14 almost 15 year old girl. I recently returned from online schooling to "regular" schooling. All is normal except me. But I've never really been a normal one. Anyways. I started back to school with a nice long hair cut. Then only a few weeks in I had my hair cut again, into a nice bob. Then one week, I started getting depressed in the afternoons. And finally I went into my bathroom and butchered my hair. I loved the feeling of it. Every mistake I made I just told myself "hair grows" and kept going. By the end of it I looked almost like a boy. But I didn't care. The thrill of it was great. You know how some kids cut themselves? I think cutting my hair has become my outlet. What should I do?

Signed: Think Cutting My Hair Has Become My Outlet - What Do I Do?

Dear Think Cutting My Hair Has Become My Outlet - What Do I Do?,

TeenHealthFX thinks that it is very possible that cutting you hair was an emotional outlet for you. Given that you said you “butchered” your hair, but “didn’t care” and got a “thrill” out of it, FX wonders if this was an expression of rebellion and anger for you. FX is wondering if you feel angry about being in “regular” school as opposed to doing your online schooling. FX also wonders how you are feeling about not being a “normal one” from your point of view. Do you feel angry at others about this or have a desire to be rebellious against societal norms?

As for what to do – that depends on what you want. Does it bother you in any way that you cut your hair and that you are feeling in need of such a drastic outlet? Whatever motivated you to cut your hair – whether it was anger, rebelliousness, or something else – does it concern you that those thoughts or feelings are there? Do you feel you do not fit in with your peers at your new school and does this bother you? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, the FX thinks that you should consider getting into therapy. You can speak to a therapist about the various thoughts and feelings you are dealing right now and work towards a place of feeling more at peace and feeling more connected to others. But, again, it depends if that is something you want to work towards.

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.

Signed: TeenHealthFX