what should someone do if there 17yr old daughter cuts on her arm?

Answer 1

It is a condition called "Cutting" and she really needs to see a counselor to help her. Call her doctor for a referral to a good child psychiatrist.

Answer 2

Im 19 years old an started to cut myself when i was 16..I havent done it for a while but the temptation is always there. The thing to understand is that asking 'why' wont get to the bottom of the problem, in fact it might push your daughter further away. It took me a very long time to talk to my mother about it although she tried so hard to get through to me and pull me out of it. For me it was never a cry for help, simply an easier way to find release from my anger and pain. Cying and talking seems useless when there is such an easy outlet for all that frustration. Your daughter is going through a lot of confusion at the moment. She may not even understand why it is she has to cut. It becomes a compulsion eventually. I know its hard...but maybe you need to step back a little bit to see how she must be feeling and try to comprehend what she is going through. Honestly, i didnt see why my mum was so scared for me until i cut far too deep. I thought i could control it. Another real reality check was when i found out a friend of mine did it too...and the feelings i got from actually being on the outside looking it at another person really shook me up. perhaps taking her somewhere she can see other sufferers and actually take time to comprehend how bad it actually is to an outsider. I know it must hurt to not be able to stop her but she will come to you when shes ready..but the more u try to get into her head the more she will push you away.

Answer 3

As someone else has already stated the term used for this is called "cutting". It is mostly seen in girls, but does occur in boys. Chances are that if they are cutting thier arms, then they may be cutting other body parts too, the common places for cutting are, arms, legs, stomach, and breasts. This is not a suicide attempt, nor does it mean that she wants to commit suicude. They are not usually serious cuts, and rarely need any kind of medical treatement other than a band aid.
When a person cuts themself it is usually because they are going through some emotional pain that they want to let out. They feel that by causing themselves pain, and letting the blood out that the emotional pain be will releived (even if it is just for a moment). This is a very serious issuse that does need help from a professional. Even if you are aware of the cause of your daughter's emotional pain, she needs the help of a professional to work with. To help her get her feelings out in a safe and appropriate manner.
I would sit down with your daughter and explain to her that you have noticed that she has been cutting herself, that you understand that she is going through a difficult time right now, and that you are there for her in every way possible. I would also tell your daughter that she needs professional help. Explain to her that she is not crazy, but that she just needs some help. Also let her know that she does not have to tell anyone that she is seeing a professional, that it is up to her to tell people as she sees fit.
As for finding a professional the best place to start is your family doctor. They can often refer you to the proper person you need to be seeing. If your daughter does not feeling comfortable with your doctor, work with her to find some one she is comfortable with. A school councellor or even a teen help line.

Answer 4

Just sit with her, hold her palm and say nothing, Yo may softly stroker her hair, look into her eyes but only like a hurt parent who is so worried about his or her daughter and not in anger. Don't try to ask for explanations or giver a lecture at a time like this. When she seems ready to talk, just ask, "Why?" Listen to everything she has to say. Even if she rables on how bad you are as a parent or how everything is unfair to her, just sit and listen. Do not retaliate. If you do not agree with her, let her finish and say, "We will talk about all this and try to sort it out. Trust me." in a very low tone. Feed her as if she is still your little baby but if she insists that she wants to eat herself, do not argue. Leave her room but keep an eye on her, in case she tries something again. See, how much she communicates with you and when you think that you can get no more out of her, consult a psychatrist on how to handle her. Follow his advice. People with suicidal tendencies need to be dealt like fragile things. This does not mean that they can not be strong ever again. If you will handle the situation in the right manner, your daughter will be able to overcome the phase and will learn a lot from this experience. It will also improve your bond with her.

Answer 5

Refer to a professional counselor. At this stage your daughter needs special attention that she cannot express to you. This is not an isolated case. But i think referring it to a professional as early as possible would help a lot. You need to go to a psychologist or a guidance counselor while it is still in the early symptoms of this disorder. She might need this so that she can grow up as a normal teenager like everybody her age. Good luck!

Answer 6

Self mutilation is more common among female teens then we know. I bet if you looked it up you would find suprising statistics. From my experience, they grow out of it. I knew LOTS of girls when i was in highschool who did it. Hell, I even did it a few times. Express your concern but dont be too overbearing, it can make matters worse. Unless you seriously think that there is some underlying issue other then just TEEN ANGST then I would avoid counceling. Councelers will only throw her on some meds and we all know (at least I hope we all know) that mood stabilizers many times make matters much worse. All teens are mentally unstable, it is just how life is.

Answer 7

I don't want 2 b rude but I'm sure it's going 2 sound that way, may b get her checked 4 drugs or a mental issue evaluation. Most of the time that what it is. I hope not though in ur case, it can get bad if it is either one of these.
Good luck!

Answer 8

she may be punishing herself for something try talking to her and find out what it is also get her to sqeeze an ice cube when she wants to cut herself as it will still give the pain that she thinks she deserves but wont cause any damage.
good luck

Answer 9

It sounds like she needs professional help. Be sure the cuts on her arm aren't serious (watch for infection.) However, the bigger problem is psychological. She needs serious help.

Answer 10

she is what is called a cutter they have too much pain inside and instead of talking about it they let it out by hurting themselves. she needs to be taken to somebody to talk to to help her find out exactly what is bothering her. good luck.