What would you do if you saw some1 with cuts on there wrists?

Question

Totally hypothetical. But what would you do if you saw someone with cuts on there wrists, but you weren't very familar with this person? Say they served you at a shop, or was a friend of a friend? What would be your thoughts? Have you experienced this?

Answer 1

My heart would go out to them. This actually has happened to me and I know I have probably been on the other end of it too (people see mine). I know what they must be going through to make them do that. Usually I want to talk to them but I know it would probably be inappropriate and awkward so I don't. It's hard sometimes to see that because it is in my nature to try to help people and fix things and so it is often difficult for me to just leave a situation alone where I know I could probably make a difference.

Answer 2

Don't be weird about it. Yes, it might freak you out, but it would be totally strange if you were like, "I'll have a blueberry muffin, and are you feeling suicidal today?"

If somebody wants to talk about it, then fine. I mean, if you're OK with talking about it. From personal experience, I know some people are OK with talking about mental illness (usually people who have been mentally ill at some point) and some people totally don't understand it and don't want to even mention it, much less talk about how somebody might be suicidal.

You can very honestly and sincerely ask "howya doin'? No, really." You can make people feel a little uncomfortable for a good cause--if a person is suicidal, being uncomfortable is par for the course. But if it's someone you don't know, don't waste your time trying to go in all, Mental Health Crusader. Work your way up to it. Be subtle. Use a little finesse. Don't scare the person away, because you'll never find out what's really going on.

Personally, I'm always a little worried about telling people about my mental illness issues because I'm worried they'll: a. take advantage of me, and/or b. get all voyeuristic and ask me a bunch of inappropriate questions because they've never met a Real Live Suicidal Person before. I'm not a freak in a sideshow and I'm not here to entertain with my Tales from the Dark Psyche.

As much as you can...be normal. Mentally ill people are normal but with some sickness in their minds. They're not stupid or crazy (crazy people are a whole 'nother category) and they'll resent you acting weird around them. Yes, I know the cuts might be a cry for help kinda thing. Or it just might have seemed like a good idea at the time. Don't assume that we want to be saved, or that we do things just to make people point and stare.

Take us on a case-by-case basis, like any other people. That's what we are, you know.

Answer 3

If you can see the cuts, obviously others have seen them too. Maybe it is not the right place to say anything if you are a customer being served- imagine it was you, it might be really embarrassing.
Might be better if you managed to speak to that person privately somewhere and just tell them you saw the cuts and ask them if they are okay or is there anything you can do for them.
Otherwise, leave it to their nearest and dearest or their manager and co-workers to deal with. The more important question to deal with might be why it concerns you so much - is there someone you wanted to help in the past but didnt managed to help?

Answer 4

This is my pet peeve. When someone is serving you at a shop, then don't comment. You don't know this person, you have no right bringing up something this personal, and quite frankly, humiliating. I work at a McDonalds, in the drive-thru, and people are all the time asking me about it, and it's so freaking embarasing and it just makes you freeze. I would wear long sleeves, but it's way to hot in that building.

anyway.

I'd just leave it unless they bring it up. Cutting is a very private matter. Sometimes, they do it for attention, which could be why you see the marks, or that person, lucky them, could just be comfortable enough not to have to hide.

Answer 5

If they have scars on their wrists, its none of your business.

If someone you know appears to be "cutting"--currently has fresh cuts that are not deep--it is a sign of serious emotional distress. Although it is not a suicide attempt, it can be very dangerous and suggests the person needs professional help. Still, it is probably not in your best interest or the other person's to confront a stranger about this. If it is a friend or acquaintance, you should directly ask in a compassionate manner about the cuts and whether they have thoughts of hurting themselves. Offer support and offer to help them get help in an emergency room or by finding someone who can help them.

Answer 6

My first thought would be that they , tried to commit suicide. Depending on where the cut's where and how bad the scar was. I would be glad to see that,( if that being the case.) That they were still alive and trying to fill the extra space in their day. To keep from trying again. Unless someone has lived in their shoes, really no one has a right to judge. I am Bi-Polar, so no one(except other Bi-Polar's) know what it's like to live each day. Or, anyone for that matter that suffer's from depression. As, far as experiencing it. No, I cant say I have. I would smile and be extra nice. Cause, I would have some clue what they felt...So I would smile and be really nice.

Answer 7

I would smile at them very pleasently, and try to be as happy around them as possible. If they were a friend of a friends, I would probably try to get to know them better. Maybe thats all they need is a good friend, or maybe it is just a cut they got from an accident or something. Never know.

Answer 8

I have experienced it. There was a young lady on a bus with me. I worked with her and she had a short sleeve shirt on one day and i notices cuts up and down her arm. I could also tell that the scars were old. All i did in that situation was pray for her.

Answer 9

Well first if they looked fresh, I would take the person to the side and explain who i was and that i dealt with crisis situations. I would tell them how it does not help by cutting, and then give them phone numbers, and other suggestions to do when they start to hurt and want to cut..

Answer 10

The obvious is that they had a emotional disorder which luckily they survived.They could of had treatment and are fine as we speak, a lot of bipolar people do this sort of thing and for the most part there are really good programs,drugs and therapy that handle this sort of situation.