TeenHealthFX - Answers - Constantly Thinking About Self Harm

Cutting / Question
Published: May 21, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Hi, I'm 13 years old, and am depressed, I have been cutting myself for a year and a half now, but have recently stopped because, my parents found out, and they now check my body for scars. They have also taken me to a physiatrist, and I hate it so much but I cant ell them, and I cant tell her everything I feel either, I don't know what to do. She said I am at the beginning of anorexia, and now I have seen a dietitian, and have been put on 5mg of Prozac a day, I hate it so much, all I want to do, is starve, and self harm, I am constantly thinking about self harm, I wish I could just cut myself all the time, I am so tempted to slit my wrists and let myself bleed to death. Please help me. I'm really scared.

Signed: Constantly Thinking About Self Harm

Dear Constantly Thinking About Self Harm,

Cutting, Anorexia and constant thoughts of "self harm," are no way to have to go through life. You deserve to be happy and should not have to deal with these unpleasant thoughts on a daily basis. It seems there are people who are willing to help you but it is vital that you open up to them. You do not say why you "hate" your psychiatrist or why you cannot tell her everything you feel. Many times young people feel they can not be honest with the person who is treating them because they are afraid they will be committed to an institution or are frightened of giving up the unhealthy coping mechanisms. You have to realize that mental health professionals are committed to helping you achieve a better quality of life.

TeenHealthFX strongly encourages you to have an open and honest conversation with your parents and your doctor. If you do not feel comfortable opening up with your doctor it would be important for you to let her know. Finding a good fit between doctor and patient is very important to the treatment process. Your doctor should not take this personally and would assist you in finding another treatment professional. However, if there is no personality conflict with this person it would be in your best interest to work through the problem since it most likely will repeat itself with another treatment professional.

You can find a tremendous amount about Cutting and Anorexia on the TeenHealthFX Website. Just go to the Emotional Health section and click on those topics.

If at any time you feel that you are going to act on your suicidal thoughts or become afraid of your impulses you need to seek help right away. You can call 9-1-1 or report to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey, you can call the Crisis Hotline from Morristown Memorial Hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX