Cutting / Question
Published: July 3, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am almost 13 years old. I know I shouldn't really be complaining, because my life is a lot better than most, but for the last year or so I think I have become sort of depressed, and have cut myself with a razor a couple times. I'm not trying to kill myself, because I don't want to die, but lately it just feels as if there's been a lot more pressure lately, with home and school and friends and everything, and cutting seems to make it all go away, or at least for awhile. I don't know if I'm depressed or not; and don't want to tell anybody that I've cut myself, because I'm scared of what they would do. Depression runs in my family, I guess, but if I told my mom anything she'd probably want to take me to a therapist or something, and I don't know if we have that kind of money. What should I do?
Signed: Cutting Seems To Make It All Go Away
Dear Cutting Seems To Make It All Go Away,
There is a key part to your question that TeenHealthFX would like to empathize, "at least for awhile." As we have said many times before (look under the cutting section) cutting does nothing to resolve the underlying issues that lead to the behavior. You also run the risk of the behavior becoming compulsive, meaning that you have no control over when, how much or how deep you make the cuts.
Please do not be scared to tell your mother what has been going on. It is hard to predict what her initial reaction will be but ultimately she most likely will want to find you help. If depression runs in your family your mother may even be more understanding about how you have been feeling then you may think.
Money does not have to be a barrier for getting help. There are many clinics and hospital based programs that work on a sliding fee scale or can provide the services at no cost. You also may not realize that you may be covered under your mother's medical benefits and insurance could cover all or the majority of the cost of seeing a therapist.
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.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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