Cutting / Question
Published: April 16, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I've been feeling very depressed, and crying every night. I feel like no one cares for me. I go through moods where I just want to get away from everyone, so I stop talking to my friends and everyone around me. When someone gets me mad I cut my wrists for the simple fact that seeing myself bleed makes me feel better. What can I do to stop feeling so low?
Signed: Feeling Down And Cutting Myself
Dear Feeling Down And Cutting Myself,
TeenHealthFX understands that you may be going through a difficult time. It is very hard to feel depressed and alone. Feeling like no one cares about you and crying every night are signs of just how bad you are feeling.
Please, find help and do not delay. You need help from counselor or an adult who will get you what you the help you need. If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call Atlantic Behavioral Health's, 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at (973) 540.0100. If you live outside of New Jersey, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1(800) SUICIDE.
Many people who are depressed or under severe pressure resort to "cutting" as a way of relieving tension or expressing anger. While this may seem like it provides some relief, there are many other ways that can provide healthy long-term relief of these symptoms. People who are involved in "cutting" seem to go through a cycle. Pressure builds up, they cut themselves and then they experience guilt, remorse or shame. They tell themselves they will not do it again but when the depression deepens or stress builds up the cycle returns.
You also have to be very careful that these cuts do not get infected. A severe infection from a "cutting" can lead to serious medical problems.
Please do not shut down or give up! The fact that you wrote indicates you do not want to live this way. Many mental health professionals are trained in helping people who cut themselves. You need to be able to tell your parent what is going on.
Again, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get help. You need professional guidance to help overcome your self-injuring behavior and get to the root of your problems. For some additional information about self-injury you can check this link: Self-Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E.) Alternatives.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A national study of women ages 15-44 found that women were almost twice as likely to receive contraceptive services rather than STD services.
