How can I tell my family that i cut?

Question

Im just 13 i've been cutting since i was 10

Answer 1

It's really good that you want to tell your family about it. Cutting is hard to deal with, and it helps a lot to have support from your family, especially when you're still young enough that you'll still need them to be invovled in your medical care.

It depends a lot on what your relationship is with your parent, and what their personalities are like. I've never met you or your parents, so I can't tell you what will go over best for you personally. But in general...

Talk to them when they're calm. Tell them that you need to talk to them about a problem that you need their help with. Try to tell them what you were feeling that made you cut in the first place, rather than just saying you cut without any explanation leading up to it. But if you can't explain it, however you can get it out is fine.

Don't show them the cuts or scars right away unless they ask to see them. Especially don't show them instead of telling them. Remember that parents hate to see their child hurt. Until they have a little time to get used to the idea that you cut yourself, seeing your body all cut up like that is going to be a bigger shock for them than having you tell them about it. The main exception to that is if you have any cuts that you're worried are infected or might need stitches or anything like that, and you want your parents to look at it for first aid/medical reasons then you should definitely show them the cut you're worried about. Do still warn them about it before you show them, but you shouldn't ever feel like you can't get medical help because you don't want to show your parents.

Depending on how much your parents already know about cutting, you might want to give them some general backgound on self injury before you tell them that you do it, or have some information read to give them after. If they work in a medical profession (doctors, nurses, etc.), social work, psychology, or something where they have a lot of interaction with young people (teachers, etc.), then they probably already know a little about self injury. But if you're not sure that they would know about it because of their work, then it might help things go better if you can print out some information from websites to give them. Here are a few sites to look at:
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html
http://www.coolnurse.com/self-injury.htm
http://www.recoveryourlife.com/Self_Harm_Information/Self_Harm/Self_Harm_Myths/default.aspx

If you're too nervous to tell them in person, or you're scared of how they'll react, you can write them a letter or an email, so they have a little time to get used to it before they talk to you about it. If you're not sure what to write, you can find a sample letter to get you started here:
http://www.recoveryourlife.com/Self_Harm_Recovery/9033.aspx

Answer 2

Sit them down and explain what is going on. Tell them why you do it and how long. It is important to give them the facts as well. Many people do not understand it. They may even be mad or upset. It will take a lot of courage, but it is best to tell them so you can get the help you need.

Answer 3

It might be scary telling your family about your cutting but once you tell them you will feel better...like a huge weight lifted off your chest. Sit down with whomever you are closest with and tell them, or you could go to the school counselor and they may help you with telling your parents but no matter what you need to tell someone that will help you get some help! Please tell them it will be worth it. I wish you the best.

Answer 4

Why tell your family? They are probably the reason you cut.
If your life is that stressful you need to learn better coping strategies and ways to release stress in helpful ways.
Instead of cutting do something else like doodling, maybe painting or poetry, anything to occupy your mind with something positive.

Answer 5

I'm glad you want to tell youer family it will be hard to tell them but you need to.they care i think you will feel better too.tell them how you feel you are going this fare don't hold back Tell theme you need them.Things Will Get Better....

Answer 6

Stop cutting Please!
You need treatment.
Go to a psychologist.

Answer 7

just tell them........they are your family and if you tell them they can help you stop.........even if you dont want 2 stop you still need 2 tell them because i know they will want you 2.........if they dont believe you then show them the scars you have from it....

Answer 8

Sweetie, just tell them. They need to know. I always tell my kids, I can't fix it, if you don't tell me. So, tell them so they can fix it. Good luck.

Answer 9

You know that you have a problem that you need to tell them about.
Show them your scars