Hearing Noises Since I Stopped Cutting
TeenHealthFX agrees that there is a definitely a link between your stopping the cutting and then your starting to hear noises and voices. The cutting was a way that you were managing some very powerful feelings that you were having. Once you stopped the cutting, the force that kept these feelings at bay was now lost so the feelings started to emerge through hearing these noises. When we self-cut, and when we hear noises and voices, it is an indication of powerful feelings inside that are not being expressed or that may not even be at a conscious level (meaning we are aware of them). Since the feelings are not being expressed, or since they might be so buried we aren’t even aware they are there – those feelings find other ways of emerging and showing themselves.
This certainly doesn’t mean you should go back to cutting so that these noises and voices will stop. Cutting is not a healthy coping mechanism and will also not do anything to deal with the underlying feelings that are contributing to these things.
What TeenHealthFX does recommend is that you meet with a reputable therapist, such as a clinical social worker or clinical psychologist, so that you can get a better understanding of these powerful feelings and find ways to better deal with them. It is important to find a therapist who will address the underlying feelings, not someone who will focus only on changing the behavior and coping mechanisms. It can be difficult to reach out for help – to make ourselves vulnerable and take a risk in trusting in someone else to be there for you. But please know that there are dependable, trustworthy people out there who will want to be there for you. And please know that these are issues that you should not be dealing with alone.
You can speak to your parents/guardians about setting up a consultation. If you have any concerns about going directly to your parents you can start by speaking with a school counselor or school nurse – someone who can advocate on your behalf so that you get the help you need.
If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. 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.
