My friend is 14 and into the 'emo' culture. I just found out that she is into cutting. She says she does it to 'stop feeling' anything. She is a pretty smart kid other than this - I'd like to think it was a phase, but she is also obsessed with suicide, and considers it an 'end to all her pain.' What kind of grief would cause such actions and what can I do to get her to change her point of view and stop hurting herself? I am not her mother, just a friend of the family and she has confided this to me. I've seen her physical scars and it isn't pretty. I'm at a loss here on how to be supportive without getting the authorities involved or alienating our friendship. Anyone been there & done that with some good advice for me?
2007-02-01 22:17:03 · 8 answers · asked by yankiwi 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It's very simple. If you are an adult, you must tell the girl's parents or contact the authorities. Not only is this the only way to get her help, but if something more serious happens to this girl--she cuts too deep and winds up in the hospital or worse--you are opening yourself up to a world of trouble, not to mention guilt. If it's found out that you knew something, your family friends may turn on you or even take you to court.
2007-02-02 00:15:57 · answer #1 · answered by kimpenn09 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You need to tell her mother or a school official so she can get help I started cutting when I was 12 I had no clue why I was doing it no one knew I was almost 30 before I got any treatment for it needless to say I have scars that have been cut down to the muscle I have self inflicted 3rd degree burns I am telling you this so you knwo It doesnt go away on its own therapiy is a necessity for your friend and if you really are a friend step up to the plate and do something
2007-02-01 22:25:52 · answer #2 · answered by ourlittleposseof12 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can remind her that the teen years are the absolute worst time of your life. I'm surprised any of us survive it. You are struggling with so much stress, pressures, changes... Your body and mind are trying to cope but ... it's hard. The brain is a very complicated and delicate thing. It can get sick, injured, and messed up, etc...just like any other organ. Depression, anxiety, panic, self harm, phobias...are from a chemical imbalance in the brain which is easily treated, very common and nothing to be ashamed of. A dr (not a therapist) can prescribe appropriate meds to help her get better. With the right meds, she will be much better, happier, calmer, confident, safer and feel normal. She won’t get well by herself and, by ignoring it, it will only get worse. Offer to go with her to the dr. But counseling and meds can do only so much. God is the ONLY one who knows what she's thinking, how she's struggled and what she's going thru. He loves you passionately and wants to be your BFF. He has a super-deluxe custom-made plan for your life that’s beyond anything you ever dreamed of. BUT He waits for us to ask. Invite Him into your heart, ask Him to take over your life and your problems. Find a big, happy church, take her with you and join the youth group. God loves you more than you can possibly imagine :)
2016-03-29 01:15:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know whether you should focus on the cutting. You should try to find out whats goiing on in her life that makes her want to cut. I myself cut on and offf and I know its not a good thing to do but sometimes its the only thing that helps. Also one thing I find is the worst is when people nag me about it so give her some space but try to shw her that you care.
2007-02-02 00:01:06 · answer #4 · answered by prizzma 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You alone cannot convince her to stop. If she wants to do it, she will, no matter what. I speak from experience. It sounds like the only real solution is professional treatment. You have to address the issues that lead to the cutting more than the cutting itself. It's just a symptom.
2007-02-01 22:27:57 · answer #5 · answered by fiVe 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
had the same problem before, thinking "this" was the only way to end all of my pain. think you better tell her family about it. she's still young, she just need some company, just always stay with her and show her how important she is, that you don't want to lose her, etc. good luck.
2007-02-01 22:42:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had this same problem wen i was about that age my friend used to do it really quite badly and no1 could stop her so one day i took her aside got a blade and complety mangled my arm ok this put me in danger but it stoped her doing it becuase she saw the damage to somebody else. i now have about 50 scars on my arm but it got my point accross. obviously i am not encouriging this answer to your problem im just saying what i did
2007-02-01 22:29:48 · answer #7 · answered by dmonins 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
These behaviors may be a sign of lack of serotonin in the brain , So she may use anti depressants for a while . I do not guarantee they will recover her from illness but at least they will calm her down . The best way to save er life is to persuade her to not to act in that way and stop cutting herself
2007-02-01 22:22:25 · answer #8 · answered by xeibeg 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋