How can I keep my parents from finding out I've been cutting myself?

Question

I've been wearing long sleeves so they don't see, but we're going someplace warm for winter break so if I wear long sleeves all the time they'll notice that something's weird, and my mum's a psychologist so I think she'll even figure out what I'm hiding. I haven't cut in almost a week cause I'm scared for the marks to still be there, but I don't think they'll be all the way gone all way gone in time. What can I do?

And any suggests for how to make it easier to not cut? Cause it'a really hard and I can't stop thinking about it.

Answer 1

I don't think you should be cutting yourself. Come clean with your parents so they can help you stop doing it.

Answer 2

You could use foundation or cover up so that the scars and cuts will be less visible while on vacation, otherwise you could try wearing long sleeves, they might not even notice. You could switch to cutting somewhere less visible while you try to get help and are ready to stop. i know that if you stop now, you will save yourself a lot of scars and shame, trust me you don't want to be still doing this when you're older because things get so much more complicate and it gets so much harder to stop.
I'm sorry I don't know how to stop and I know how much you want to keep it a secret, but telling someone (in real life) will be a huge relief, even if you don't tell your parents, someone like a school counselor or teacher (although they might be obligated by law to tell your parents) or someone you trust. It sounds like your mom would (hopefully) be pretty understanding of it since she is a psychologist, although that might make it more awkward. Anyways, I hope it goes okay and that you figure something out. I'm sorry you're hurting so much, message me if you want to talk about it some more.

Answer 3

I don't think you will get around this one or if you do, sooner or later it will be discovered. What I would suggest is that you talk to someone you trust, a teacher you trust, a school counselor you trust and let them know you don't want to involve your parents. Or tell your mother you would like to see a therapist and if she asks you why you can tell her because you want HER to be your mother, but you want someone else to be your therapist and you'd rather not talk to her about what is going on. Then discuss this with that therapist.
Cutting builds on cutting. The longer you STOP doing it the easier it is to stay stopped. You probably already know that there are a lot of people your age who do this. So that means there are also support groups your school counselor or a therapist of your choosing should know about.
You might want to try journaling when you feel that way but instead of trying to analyze yourself and feel like you have to organize and format what you will write, just start writing whatever comes to mind whether it makes sense or not. Also, you might want to try painting and paint whatever comes to mind when you feel that way.
Maybe tell yourself that you won't cut THAT day, you'll put it off at least for the day then the next day, start over again until it is easier not to cut.
I agree that help is out there and so is support but keeping it a secret will make it very hard to stop.

Answer 4

I feel your pain. I am a cutter. Do you have a cat? My mum saw mine once, and I blamed the cat? Although your mum been a psychologist is a bit concerning, as yes they know all the tricks in the book. Otherwise if you dont think about it to much they may not notice. I only cut my left arm, as i am right handed. Therefor when i reach for things i use my right arm, so i reduce the chances of them seeing. Although your cuts are already there, but some advice for the future. You could try some creams that help reduce it quickly anything with vitamin e or chemists have creams for scars/stretchmarks which work. Nothing will remove them completly. Just remain calm if they see them, if they notice panick in you they will notice something is up. Blame wood scratches, falling on bitumen (road) depending on what your cuts look like. If they dont believe you, pull your mum aside and tell her the truth. Make out that its not a big deal. Your mum will understand if she is a pyshologist. She will only be upset that you didn't come to her earlier. I wish you good luck and don't worry about it to much. I don't wear long sleeves and have been told they aren't noticeable unless I am worried about them, because i know they are there! best wishes xoxo

Answer 5

Caitlyn, Caitlyn, Caitlyn....... If you avoid your problems your situation is only going to get worse.....

Cutting your self is only going to get things worse.... you're only 12...You've got to live and love life....Dream.... get a hobby, start music....... play sports...... ok that sounded a little gay, but you have to understand that cuting your self and only thinking about cutting your self would make you feel worse deep down......

Talking to your mom is always the hard thing, and if your mom is a psychologist talking to her would make you feel worse, because you're going to worry her too much, but I think cutting yourself is like smoking, it's hard to quit once you started... so you should at least get some help from somebody.....

Talking to your School Counciler is B.S. cause personally I'd think they'll call your parents, what you can do is either call the kid's help line and get real advice and if you wish remain compelty confidential, and say that it's for a friend or something too...... But please, try and avoid cutting yourself and don't start smoking either casue you'll just end up having another problem........

Answer 6

You need to seek counseling before you hurt yourself really bad. When you get the urge to do it, call a friend or go hang out with your parents. Get exercise daily to help your emotional state if you are dealing with some type of depression. You may have to let your mom know if you can't stop... she loves you and you may be scared of what she will say... but parents only have the best intentions even if they freak out at first and say some things that might upset you... in the long run it will be for the better.

Answer 7

I compleatly understand. I started cuting other places, not my arms. I did like the top of my legs and stuff. Then I was going on vacation to Hawaii, so I had to get rid of the scars.

I bought Vitamin E gel capsils (the kind you swallow). I would poke a hole in the capsil and spread the gel on my scars. That made them less visable, and getting a tan helped them disapear for the time being.

And then I had to do something else to suffice the need to cut, so I started smoking. That helped! Well...
I hope this helped dear!

Answer 8

What is the emotional pain your hiding from. I will be honest with you. I did this too when I was in highschool. Everyday I look at the scars on my arms and wonder what I could have done to "not" have done that. It was all I could do to stop the "pain" of my emotions. What stopped it all was taking on a healthier outlook on life. Dealing with emotional pain is hard, but its a must. Your mom might already know and she is just waiting for you to come to her. My advise is to TELL her what is on your mind. You'll feel better. It took me 15 years to tell my dad that I had been raped, but I did it. My dad is a pastor, so that was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Let it out before it eats you up. :) Take care!!

Answer 9

You can't. Best move is to go talk to your parents. Or a school counselor. Trust me, it is better to bring these things up yourself than for someone to find out accidentally. You'll shock your parents if they find out in public or something, you want them to get this news on their "home turf".

Tell them you want to stop, if your mom is a psychologist she has heard of this before, she'll understand.

Answer 10

Look up support groups in your area. These groups are a good way to meet others who are just like you, who have the same concerns about life, you may be experiencing. It seems you may be afraid to talk to your mother, a psychologist, I would be too. Start by calling, or live chatting with a crisis counselor.

Answer 11

Until your ready to stop, or until
you have the courage to ask for help, heres
some advice:

use regular cover-up/foundation, preferably dream matte mouse,
or a tru-blend variety. bracelets/jewelry. arm warmers. finger less
gloves. zip up hoodies over tank tops are a godsend. especially
if you buy a thin one (hoodie).

http://com3.runboard.com/bstrawberrygashed

lots of support and acceptance there. plus,
tips on hiding scars/cuts, and on quitting Self Injury.