I have a close young friend who I found out cuts herself to relieve anger. She is very beligerent about authority figures or recieving advice. I want to be there for her and help her, but I don't know what to do or say. I have no experience with this and don't understand it. I don't want to make things worse. I am quite a bit older than she is and she sees me as a friend but also an authority figure. How can I help her?
2006-07-27 02:14:47 · 7 answers · asked by Butterfly 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
People cut for one of two reasons. 1. They are seeking attention or 2. They feel that they have no control in their lives.
Most people in the first category will inflict very superficial wounds (scratches) and will make sure that they are seen by others.
Your friend sounds like someone in category 2. The loss of control can manifest as anger, depression, or both. Cutting is a way to regain some amount of control. It can allow control of the pain they are feeling. They determine where they cut, and they control the pain it causes. It can release endorphines that feel "good" at the time.
It is also control in that they can heal it, and make it go away. Unlike the uncontrolable factors in their lives, they have complete control over the cuts (or they feel that they do).
To help her stop cutting, you must first find out what is going on in her life that she feels helpless against. The cutting will continue until she can cope with the cause. The best thing to do is let her know you care and try to get her to seek counselling. I wish her the best of luck in overcoming this.
2006-07-28 02:19:16 · answer #1 · answered by forestevergreen 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
at first dont make her feel like she is doing something wrong, then asked her why, n then u can show her some new ways to relieve her anger like screaming in a punching the wall or cutting something like a notebook or sumthing, than when she starts taking advice u should show her how much it her that she cut herself to family n all that.
I helped a friend with that, n it actually worked, good luck!
2006-07-27 09:56:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother does this. I've done some research and have found that the behavior is a sign of serious emotional problems. I recomend professional help. Try to persuade your friend to get help from a professional. This is a big deal and not something you should mess around with.
2006-07-27 09:24:52 · answer #3 · answered by jgunslingerj 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen to her. The first step is seeing this beahavior as a cry for help and your friend needs an outlet. ONce your friend knows you care and are not judging perhaps there will be more willingness to accept help in the form of therapy intervention.
2006-07-27 09:49:30 · answer #4 · answered by Student123 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to talk to her and try and get her to discuss it with someone who can really help her. If worst comes to worse, you might have to go over her head and tell someone who can help her. You will look like the bad guy for a while, but she will eventually realize that you helped her.
2006-07-29 14:34:50 · answer #5 · answered by Mary 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just be by her side when she needs to talk to you try to get her to away from whatever she hurting herself with just try to keep her mind off whatever making her do this... hope i helped just talk to her and tell her your worried about her and take her away from whatever she hurting herself with...
2006-07-27 09:19:36 · answer #6 · answered by lil_carebear42069 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to talk it out with her.
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2006-07-27 09:18:12 · answer #7 · answered by TheTruthHurts 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋