Where do i find out if cutting is punishable?

Question

sorry i asked about cutting and if id get in trouble but yeah i guess i wasnt specific. i want to know if theres a webcite that says if the state im in will like lock me up or something if i share with a councilor im cutting.... plez help?

Answer 1

I can't answer for your particular state, but I do know something about psychiatry and I think it would be very unusual if you were to be forcibly detained simply because you're cutting - I can't be certain, but I do know what common sense tells me, and that says that the fact that you're cutting means that you want to exert some control over your situation even if this comes at the expense of hurting yourself, and that taking away your control is making it worse.

Also, I believe that the relationship between you and a counsellor is governed by conditions of confidentiality, and a counsellor would not have the power to have you 'locked up' because only a psychiatrist can do that, and your counsellor would be bound to ask your permission before sharing any information about you with anyone else.

This is obviously a matter of serious concern for you and if you don't share it with your counsellor he or she won't be able to do their best for you - so my advice would be to go ahead and tell them. But if you want some further reassurance, why don't you telephone the Samaritans and ask them? They'll know the legal situation, but they'll also befriend you unconditionally and lovingly. (I know, because I've had cause to call them myself).

I do hope that you find a way of loving yourself enough to escape from the feeling that the only way out is by hurting yourself. It's a good time to think about what Princess Diana managed to achieve in appalling circumstances - she was into various forms of self-harm, and became a lovely strong woman with a great deal to give. I hope that the same happens for you.

With much love.

Answer 2

Here is a website for you:

http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html

No one can "lock you up", unless they seriously believe you are a danger to yourself or others. In fact, a counselor doesn't have arrest powers, so they aren't the ones that do the actual detention for someone who is suicidal, they must always enlist the help of law enforcement personnel who do have "arrest powers".

No law, in any state allows a counselor, therapist, psychiatrist, etc. to restrain a person against their will.

This all being said, most counselors aren't trying to hospitalized hurting people. They want to help the person find out what is causing the pain, and develop ways so it will stop.

Cutting isn't an appropriate answer, maybe it is effective, but so is getting drunk or high... they all help a person forget about the pain for a while, but the next day, the problem is still there.

It sounds like things aren't going well for you right now. Find help that feels safe for you. Don't give up. You are worth being helped and finding a solution for your troubles.

Answer 3

The state (any state in the US) is here to protect you (even if its from yourself). If you tell your doctor, mental spec., counselor, etc... that you are cutting they have a right to admit you to a psychiatric clinic for evaluation and treatment. You could in the case go "Aginst Medical Advise" (aka AMA) but then agian if a doctor feels you are a risk then a judge can keep you in the psychiatric facility. I knew a guy who went through something similar to this and its the same for all 50 U.S. States. you really shouldn't cut yourself weither it is legal or not... Get help =)
God Bless

and actually not trying to be rude, but the person above me is wrong. if someone feels you are a risk to yourself they can call 9-1-1 or the police and obtain an emergency custody order which allows them to keep you there until the police arrive, does not matter if you are above or below 18. I already been through all of this to help my friends who where going through problems and if i can call in an emergency custody order be sure counselors, therapist, and the others can.

Answer 4

I'm not sure if there is a website that would have information like that. Is there a telephone helpline (possibly health service) where you could contact anonimously? The best suggestion is to talk to the councillor. There is a doctor/patient confidentiality process. You need to speak to someone. This can get out of hand, and you need to have someone to talk to.
In the meantime, don't blame yourself for your actions, you need some support, maybe from a trusted friend or family member? Please don't keep this to yourself. There are a lot of websites with support and information for people who self abuse.
Good luck

Answer 5

i cut too. i have for a loonngg time. when i was 13 (last year) one of my friends found out and told the school counciler. so far nothing happened to me and it has been almost a full year. the only thing they do is tell our parents. so be careful in who you choose to find out. because i dont knowif you parents will likesend you to some rehab or something of the sort. my parents just make me talk to a priest once a week. which honestly hasnt help me at all.

Answer 6

I think cutting in all states is illegal as self-mutilation. You also have the chance of accidentally committing suicide and some states prosecutors will take the charge to the next level based on circumstances. Best thing to do is stop this activity before any of that happens (sorry, the father in me coming out).

Answer 7

Cutting is not illegal. It is a disease state, just like OCD, Depression etc. Go see a Shrink to get some meds to help. Also find a therapist who you can talk with about the issue.

Answer 8

Hey there,
I don't think cutting is illigal anywhere in the world be free to share at least if you are in the western world with a counsellor. It's important to get help. c ya mic

Answer 9

they can't send you to jail. they may want to send you to a looney bin home though. i have a friend who cuts and she had to go for a week. i cut sometimes too. i know how hard things can be. i really do. stay strong and get the help you need. i wish i was in a situation to tell someone. take control of the advantage and make your life beter. good luck : )

Answer 10

Cutting in itself is not punishable. However, if you tell your conselor and he feels that you are a serious threat to yourself or others you can be hospitalized. If your cutting is that serious, though, it's probably a good idea. It can be really dangerous if you get impulsive or wreckless.