If you are a parent who has recently discovered that your teenager is a cutter, there are many options available to you. This article will explain exactly what a cutter is and how to get her the needed help.
- There are many health concerns that affect those who cut themselves. Some of the short term physical effects are infection, bruising, delayed or impaired healing, and scarring.
- As a parent, you need to determine what emotional or psychological state caused your teenager to cut herself. These problems need to be addressed and treated.
- According to researchers, girls are more prone to self-abuse than boys although the exact reason for this is unclear.
- As a parent, you want to make sure that you do not automatically start accusing your child. It is normal for you as a parent to feel worried. But you should never be embarrassed or ashamed of your child.
- Listening is the key to helping your teenager overcome this type of disorder.
- Many self-injurers or cutters, have coexisting problems of substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder (or compulsive alone), or eating disorders.
- Cutters often lack a good social support network.
Following are some of the most common ways that people injure themselves; cutting, burning, picking at skin or reopening old wounds, hair pulling, hitting, bone breaking, head banging, multiple piercings or tattoos. Most teenagers use cutting as a way to try and deal with some type of emotional or psychological pain.
At first do not be surprised if they say that there is nothing wrong with injuring themselves. Most teenagers are in denial about their problems. Try talking to your doctor about finding a professional in your area who can help your teenager overcome this disorder. It is important that they learn how to deal with their feelings in ways other than hurting themselves. You could even try calling the hospitals in your area. Most hospitals have information on various programs for teenagers. Do not wait to get your teenager the help they need. This type of disorder requires immediate action. You could also try calling local support groups. You can do an online search to find some in your area.
Avoid trying to help them yourself; it may only make matters worse. Most teenagers have a difficult time talking to their parents. You should not feel bad about this, but make sure that you go through the entire healing process with them. Most teenagers that are cutters do not want to continue to hurt themselves. This is a cry for help, so do your best to give it to them.
