I know a teen who has been cutting and I don't know how to help her with what she's going through and to find other ways to cope other than by cutting. Obviously counseling is an option, but other than that, and until that happens (she's refusing to go and is making no suicidal gestures or statements, just superficial scratches on her body when upset so there is no cause to call a hospital or authorities, and I am not a teacher or practitioner, so I don't think ther is a duty to warn situation here, is there?) what can I do to help her?
2007-04-16 07:43:11 · 7 answers · asked by Roma 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I am also a cutter. I'm 31 years old, and started cutting when I was 15. Btw, I haven't cut in over two years. But to get to the point, I would suggest a creative outlet such as writing, painting, sketching, and assure her that no one else will see her work unless she wants them to. I know when I get the urge, which i still do at times, I write for example. Also, physical activity works as well. Have her take a walk or go ride her bike, if she has one. Or, take her for a drive, anything to distract her from herself. Rent a movie or take her to the mall. Keep her busy, busy, busy. But keep her busy doing things she enjoys, and if she doesn't enjoy too many things, explore. Find new things, try new things, do anything you possibly can to keep her from harming herself because eventually it will get worse before it gets better. Good luck and if you have any more questions about this my email is jamusmick@yahoo.com.
Jamie
2007-04-16 07:57:17 · answer #1 · answered by jamus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I echo what the others have said. Try to get her into counseling. I am assuming you are an adult, and if so, you might offer to have her call you when she is having cutting impulses. She needs new ways to cope with her feelings so having a friend to talk to is a step in the right direction. She also could benefit from expressive activities such as journaling and art. But she definitely needs counseling.
2007-04-16 08:16:43 · answer #2 · answered by Simmy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I fully understand what this girl is going through as I have been self harming for many years now. its not as bad as I once was but still very hard not to do. try putting an elastic band on her wrist and every time she feels like hurting herself to pull it a hair bobble/pony should do the same. but I must say the best thing for her would be cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)or Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) also tell her that you are there for her if she needs to talk. Having someone there that will listen could help her a lot.
good luck
take care
Lisa
2007-04-16 07:49:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep reminding her you care. Do not tell her she's stupid or what she's doing is crazy or dumb. Do not make threats such as...
"If you cut yourself again I'm going to kick your ***" (do you see the futility in that statement??)
At any chance that presents itself to be non-judgemental and non-aggressive, try to explain to her that there is no shame in seeing a councellor, and that the councellor will not "commit" her to the hospital (unless her cuts are life threatening).
Just be a good friend, and someone she can feel cares about her. Dont let her, if you can, sense that you feel disgust, if by chance you do.
2007-04-16 07:52:05 · answer #4 · answered by Secrets of the Night 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-24 22:53:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A journal, poetry writing, gardening, volunteer work . Suicidal statements need to be reported to your school counselor, it is your obligation to report it if some threatens to hurt themselves or anyone else. They will handle the rest, and keep your name out of it. If you really want to help this girl, let the people who are trained to help her, help her.
2007-04-16 07:56:54 · answer #6 · answered by Hot Coco Puff 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to show her where she has control over some aspects of her life. That's not always easy but it will help.
2007-04-16 07:51:10 · answer #7 · answered by black honey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋