Straight Talk TNT

Some of my friends stopped cutting once they realized that I, their “little sister,” started doing it. I started cutting three years ago during an extremely emotional time. It was how I released my pent-up fears, anger, and depression and kept from exploding. I recently went “too far” and nicked the artery in my wrist. Luckily, a friend tied it off and drove me to a retired doctor.  Cutting is amazingly hard to quit. I know. I’m a work in progress. Some people recommend snapping rubber bands against your wrist. This is a BAD IDEA. It only encourages the habit of self-inflicted pain. Talk to someone who has quit. Find out how they did it. Some quit by thinking of people who would care the most if they found out. Others get people in their life involved. That’s what I’m doing. I told my boyfriend and gave him my knife. I also told friends on different sports teams and asked them to keep an eye on me. Recently, I even told my parents. They were shocked, but once they researched it, they became very loving and caring. Admitting it is the hardest part of quitting, but it’s best in the long run. 

Your parents need to know about your situation. I’ve never cut, but I was self-destructive earlier in life. It was a stage when I couldn’t talk to my parents about anything. My mom found out and sent me to counseling. It seemed the worst thing in the world, but, secretly, I liked having someone to talk to. Now, I’m thankful that my mom forced me to get help.

The only way you can convince your sister to stop cutting is for you to stop first. Figure out an alternative to cutting that gives you the same relief. You are her biggest role model. If you overcome the same obstacle she is facing, it will make her want to do the same thing.

I know what you mean. I hate seeing cuts on my friends, yet how can I tell them not to cut when I cut, too? I know I need to find another way to deal with my problems. You do, too. You and your sister should help each other.

Some people cut for attention, others cut to relieve mental pain by turning it into physical pain, still others need the visual relief of seeing the blood. Cutting is addicting and I have seen many close friends go through it. A good way to quit is to find another activity, like exercise or music that relieves your emotions. It’s proven that working-out produces endorphins which counteract the chemicals that cause painful or depressing thoughts. I like running, because along with the endorphins, you feel like you are “getting out” or “getting away.” It also helps to talk to someone. I like to think my helping hand stopped friends from cutting.