Cutting
Find a Conversation
Cutting
| Mon, 06-04-2007 - 10:54pm |
I recently learned that my daughter (age 15.5) has been cutting herself when she gets upset. I have not seen the cuts, but a concerned friend of hers approached me. Her friend said DD has a very substantial number of scars covering large areas of her body.
She is currently spending the night with another friend. I am going to confront her in the morning. Does anyone have experience with this? Does anyone have any advice?
I would greatly like to know how to confront her and how to help her.
My biggest problem right now is that I have no idea how to even begin talking about this problem. I just feel so sad. I would go get DD now, but I need to calm down first.

Pages
Great article on cutting here:
http://www.heartlightministries.org/blogs/markgregston/2007/06/05/self-mutilation-teens-and-cutting/
If you find out your son or daughter is engaging in self-injurious behavior (SIB) such as cutting, here are steps to take in order to receive proper assistance.
DOs
#1 Do reassure your child they are loved.
#2 Do be accepting and open minded.
#3 Do maintain your child’s personal space and privacy.
#4 Do encourage getting help. Make them a part of the process.
#5 Do see your family doctor and get a therapist referral.
#6 Do ensure the therapist understands self-injury.
#7 Do ensure your child likes their therapist.
#8 Do understand it may take several therapists to find a right match.
#9 Do consider getting help for yourself if you have trouble.
#10 Do be patient.
DO NOTs
#1 Do not freak out.
#2 Do not focus on the self-injury, it is not the problem.
#3 Do not make demands or ultimatums that they stop self-injuring.
#4 Do not force your child into therapy.
#5 Do not assume your child is mentally ill.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Self-injury (SI) is a coping resource. People self-harm in order to escape from a distressing state of mind. By itself, SI is not a mental illness or a diagnosis of anything. Causes of self-injurious behavior are very complex. It often associated with some form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse during childhood. Frequently people who self-injure are unable to express either anger or sadness in appropriate ways. Self-injury can be addictive. Most self-harm is done in private. It is not a way to seek attention. SI is not a symptom of someone who is suicidal.
Pages