Here's how and where 'cutters' can get help

Talk about it

Cutting. What is it and is help available?

In the Wednesday, November 12 issue of the Echo Press, 20-year-old “Jane,” who once considered herself a “cutter,” shared her story in hopes that it would help others who may be going through the same thing.

“Cutting” is considered injuring oneself on purpose by making scratches or cuts on various parts of the body – arms, legs, torso – with an object sharp enough to break the skin and make it bleed.

Here are some tips for those who may be cutting and for their family and friends.

First, if someone cuts him/herself badly enough and is bleeding extensively, call 911 immediately. Too much of a loss of blood could mean a loss of life.

For those who cut, consider telling someone, but choose someone you can trust and who is close to you, be it a parent, teacher, coach, friend, doctor or school counselor. If it’s too hard to bring up in a conversation, try writing a note.

Try to identify the trouble that’s triggering the cutting. Try to figure out what feelings or situations are causing you to cut. Many people have trouble figuring this part out on their own, which is why it’s best to share your feelings with someone else.

Most often, professional help will be needed, such as a mental health professional. Getting professional help to overcome the problem does not in any way mean that the person is crazy or weak.

Although cutting can be a difficult pattern to break, it is possible, but professional help may be the only way to go.

At the Douglas County Hospital, there is a Mental Health Unit, which is an outpatient unit located at the Marion Building at 700 Cedar Street. The Mental Health Unit offers both psychiatric and psychological services in a variety of assessment and treatment modalities. Ages served include young children through adulthood.

To reach the Mental Health Unit, call (320) 762-2400 or toll-free at 1-800-450-4500.

For those who may know someone who is a cutter, here are a few key pieces of advice:

• Talk about it. Ask questions. Ask what you can do to help. Let the person know you are there to listen and not judge.

• Tell someone. Talk to the person’s parents or talk to teachers or a school counselor.

• Help to find resources. Check out the Internet, although be wary of some sites. Look for online support groups.

• Help to find alternative ways to deal with problems, like music or dance or exercise.

• Acknowledge that there is a problem, but don’t place blame.

• Be a good role model.

Source: www.kidshealth.org.

Tags: cutters, help, resources