Posted by Ella on May 2, 2002, at 2:36:25
In reply to Any cutters??? Please help my 12yr old, posted by cmcdougall on May 1, 2002, at 13:10:09
I was 15 when I started cutting, stress, depression, frustration, and isolation triggered it I think. I mostly just cut my shoulder a bit, not that hard to hide.Any upsetting event can bring the compulsion on. When I was depressed and the world seemed to be falling apart cutting would help keep me from getting swept away; it would numb that feeling of panic. It was a way to smash my emotions down and keep on going.
I went to see a counselor and improved my coping skills. So I was helped, kinda.
I still do this kind of stuff when things get really bad, but it isn't a way of life. A few months ago I burnt my lower arm; I just put on long sleeved shirts for a while, and when people ask about the scars I just don't give them a straight answer. No big deal. For me cutting is a knee-jerk reaction, but now I try to step back and find a better way of dealing with the situation. Doesn’t always work but I am doing better.
As for advice, I guess working on making a cutter feel safe enough to express their feelings, feel better about themselves and learn better coping skills are a good ideas, these things have helped me, but of course it is different for each person.
I wish your stepdaughter well on the long road ahead.
Ella Mia
poster:Ella
thread:22955
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020430/msgs/22978.html