Tell me about self harm (cutting) themselves

[The[cookie]Doctor]

My experience is from depression. Physical release to emotional pain. Like a distraction.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

My experience is from depression. Physical release to emotional pain. Like a distraction.

:yeahthat:

But i have also seen it used as a way of seeking attention. When i was in high school alot of the girls in my year did it but i still think it should be treated as being serious.

I used self harm as a way to release and deal with issues i had in high school, back when i learnt what my father did. But i kept it hidden for months and months.

[diannescruffy]

How can it be hidden from parents? Surely it would be seen.

Regards,
Dianne

[Artechim]

When everything seems so empty and fake, feeling pain is preferable to feeling nothing at all.

It can be for attention, then it is usually visible. If it isn't for attention then it can easily be hidden from parents - thighs/stomach, most parents wouldn't know if you didn't want them to.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

It can be for attention, then it is usually visible. If it isn't for attention then it can easily be hidden from parents - thighs/stomach, most parents wouldn't know if you didn't want them to.

Yep, i used to cut my thighs. My mum was none the wiser. But then when it came out about it she would always make me show my legs to her.

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

Not necessarily - a 14 year old wouldn't be showering with anyone else, and the rest of the time can wear long sleeves or a jacket. Not hard to hide if they don't want anyone to know, which is more of a concern IMO, and less likely to be an attention seeking thing.

I am quite 'highly strung' and I put a lot of pressure on myself to be what I consider to be perfect - when I was younger and I did something I felt was stupid or immature, I would cut myself as a punishment. The problem is, once the self harm starts, for whatever reason, generally the person is too numb to feel it properly, or get the personal reaction they're craving, so its not just one cut here or there, it progresses and gets worse.

IMO, if your DS has seen this girls scars/cuts, someone needs to know - parents, school counsellor, just someone close to her that can pull her back before its too late...