Cutting / Question
Published: April 16, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
A few months ago i cut my arm to relieve stress and depression i was feeling and my boyfriend told the school conselor. It stopped for a while then everythign boiled up again and the night he dumped me it pushed me over the edge and i cut my stomach. this time the conselor told my mom and i'm on anti depressents. thing is, after two months i just cut my leg again with a swiss knife so i have three scrapes on my body. i don't know how to stop!!! i'm less depressed but still compelled to cut myself. do i need mood stabalizers or am i really xxxxxx up?
Signed: Everything Boiled Up Again - Feel Compelled To Cut
Dear Everything Boiled Up Again - Feel Compelled To Cut,
It takes time to deal with cutting behaviors and depression. Sometimes setbacks occur. Getting upset with yourself and emotionally beating yourself up will only cause the depression and self-hatred to continue. Try to focus on using the resources available to you (like your counselor and your mom) to keep you going in the right direction.
You probably know from your therapist (assuming you received anti-depressants from a psychiatrist and/or therapist) that many people cut themselves also may feel depressed and anxious. They may cut themselves as way to feel better momentarily. This is a very significant sign that something is wrong. If you have stopped seeing a counselor, it is time to return. If you still see a counselor regularly make sure that you let them know what has been going on. Major events like ending a relationship can cause someone who was feeling better to experience a time of "the blues". When this episode lasts longer than a couple of weeks or makes it difficult to continue with your daily routine, then it is possible that additional assistance may be needed.
Only your counselor and/or doctor can decide if a combination of therapy and medication would assist you. If you are feeling like there is no hope for a happy future, it may help to know that many people are experiencing and have coped with what you are dealing with. Look at the answer to "Want Help But Scared to See Someone" and "Feeling Down and Cutting Myself" to learn about other teens who may be experiencing similar feelings.
There are resources out there for you, and having a support system like friends, family, and school employees who care enough about you to get you help is important. For more information on cutting and self-mutilation, call (800) DONTCUT (366-8288). If you live in northern NJ and would like to speak with a counselor, call the Access Center for Behavioral Health at (888) 247-1400.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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