TeenHealthFX - Answers - I Enjoy Cutting Myself

Cutting / Question
Published: June 26, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am 15 years old and I might need help. I enjoy cutting myself. I really enjoy it. Even when I am really mad and I cut myself and I still feel bad afterward, the stinging and knowledge that I just accomplished something feels so good. I think my parents know...I don't hide it anymore. I used to hide the scars but I am scared that I might go too far so I just don't hide it anymore. I do not want to tell them directly, I don't want them to think they did something wrong. There is what looks like a bar code on my wrist and covering it really does not help anything, I think my parents have seen it. Anyway, I enjoy cutting but something inside me wants to stop. I know I can't get help unless I ask for it and to do that my parents have to know everything. Do you have any suggestions?

Signed: I Enjoy Cutting Myself

Dear I Enjoy Cutting Myself,

TeenHealthFX suggests that you show them your question and this answer. You are right; you need to ask for help (and you already took the first step by writing to us) and having your parents' support is critical to overcoming your self-mutilating behavior.

TeenHealthFX wants you to know that being ambivalent about wanting to get help is not unusual. A behavior like cutting gets started to relieve some kind of psychic pain and it feels like it works short term. The problem is that it does not solve any problems and it usually ends up causing more problems. Check out all of our answers to questions about cutting for more information.

A mental health professional can provide you with the tools necessary for discovering alternatives to cutting or to reduce your need to feel like cutting is a solution. To find a therapist in northern NJ, you can call the Access Center to Behavioral Health at (888) 247-1400. If you live outside of NJ 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. Another good check out Self-Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E.) Alternatives for some additional information about self-injury.

Signed: TeenHealthFX