Cutting / Question
Published: January 4, 2010
Dear TeenHealthFX,
while reading some articles on self-injury i read that cutting does not require immediate psychiatric attention unless its somewhere like on the face, breasts, or genitals...well i cut almost solely on my breasts is that in any way abnormal?
Signed: Heard That Cutting Does Not Require Immediate Psychiatric Attention
Dear Heard That Cutting Does Not Require Immediate Psychiatric Attention,
When getting “immediate psychiatric attention” is recommended, it is usually because a person is in some kind of immediate danger. The recommendation would be for that person to immediately contact 911, call a crisis hotline, or present to their local emergency room. Some examples of this might include (but are not limited to):
· A person who is suicidal with intent and a plan
· A person who is very unstable, such as someone with bipolar disorder in the middle of a severe manic episode.
· A person having a psychotic episode where they are having hallucinations or delusions.
· A person with a severe drug dependency problem.
Immediate psychiatric attention is recommended in these situations because they are not situations where the person can just sit around and wait for an appointment several days from now. They need help, and they need it now before they do something to hurt themselves or someone else.
Generally, self-cutting does not require immediate psychiatric attention as far as calling a crisis hotline or presenting to the emergency room right away. People who engage in self-cutting are generally not looking to kill themselves – so they are generally not in immediate danger. However, just because immediate psychiatric attention is not warranted, does not mean that no psychiatric attention of any kind is indicated. If you are making cuts on your breasts, you may not need to present to an emergency room this very instant, however, FX would definitely recommend that you locate a treatment provider experienced in working with teens who self-cut as soon as possible so that you can get into some kind of treatment. FX has concerns about your participating in this kind of unhealthy behavior and thinks that therapy could benefit you in the following ways:
· A therapist could help you develop healthier coping mechanisms, as self-cutting is an unhealthy and maladaptive way to deal with problematic emotions and situations.
· A therapist can work with you to help you figure out and work through whatever is causing the distress that leads you to self-cut.
· A therapist is someone to be there for you to provide support and guidance. Many teens who cut do not feel heard or understood by the adults closest to them – a therapist can help to address this issue, as well as to provide a venue where you can feel heard.
· Self-cutting can become very addictive for some – and therapy is often warranted for people dealing with various kinds of addictions.
To get the help you need, consider the following:
· 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.
There are times when people who self-cut do require immediate psychiatric and/or medical attention:
· If someone cuts and causes significant bodily harm (whether intentional or unintentional), medical and mental health treatment should immediately be sought after.
· If someone is feeling suicidal in addition to any more consistent self-cutting behaviors, immediate attention is warranted.
· If a person feels he cannot control his or her impulses in terms of how far the self-injurious behaviors might go, immediate help is warranted.
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. 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
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