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Date Posted: 21:32:31 11/09/06 Thu
Author: Melissa Preston
Subject: Cutting

While I have plenty to say on the issue of teens having sex, I noticed that no one responded to any of the teens struggling with cutting. The thing about seeking advice about sex is that most people are willing to respond, but cutting makes people uncomfortable, squeamish, and unless you cut yourself, you really have no idea what to say or what that person is feeling.

However, I am one of those people who will talk about cutting because I am what I consider to be an ex-cutter. A non-cutter will simply tell you to stop, but I know it's not that simple, but I can offer some advice.

If you have friends that cut, my suggestion would be to lessen the time spent with them, and do not talk about cutting. When I started cutting, I had several very dear friends who were struggling with the same thing, and it only made me feel like it was ok. It is not ok.

Tell someone. I know this is really hard. It's really hard to admit that things have gotten to that point. Chances are people have noticed, but they are waiting for you to say something. The people around you probably care about you more than you think, and they probably want to help you. Just knowing that you have some support can help to ease the situation.

Chances are you know why you're cutting. I know I always did. If this is the case, do everything you can to get out of that situation, away from that person, etc. If it's unavoidable, focus on keeping your emotional distance. Don't let it get to you. It will be extremely difficult at first, but it will get easier.

Find a new way of releasing your feelings. If you can't talk to anyone, write it down. Let people know if they've hurt you, but in my experience, screaming at them only makes it worse. Let the person know how you feel and then walk away.

In my opinion, professional help should be sought only as a last resort. I know plenty of young people have seen counselors and psychiatrists, and it didn't help them at all. However, whether you believe it to be or not, cutting is a serious physical and mental problem, and it is a serious threat to your health.

It's not like quitting smoking. You won't wake up one day decide to quit, and never cut again. I haven't had a serious problem with cutting for over a year, but every few months I have a slight relapse. It's a learning process. Don't get discouraged and give up.

Personally, I was only able to quit after leaving a very bad situation and some very difficult people behind. Does it suck? Of course it does, and even now that I've quit, I'm still haunted by the memory of cutting. But I promise that no matter what it takes for you to quit, it's more than worth it.

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