Self Injury

A couple of weeks ago at my work (a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents), A boy named p___ asks to use the bathroom, and I nod that it’s ok and begin going about my usual task of trying to get the kids calmed down and ready for bed.

So, after what seems to be awhile I'm wondering what is taking P___ so long, I walk over to the bathroom and,right as I'm about to knock, the door swings open. He’s standing in the doorway with a pencil in his hand. The eraser has been chewed off and the metal end is flattened down and shaped into a jagged point. His eyes widen in surprise when he sees me and there is a blood-soaked tissue wrapped around his forearm. Tears are streaming down his face. I am speechless.

P__ is a cutter.

The Mayo Clinic explains that cutting (self injury, self mutilation) is not an attempt at suicide or an “artistic expression." Most cutters cut because they are trying to release some sort of negative emotion, such as anger, fear, or frustration. The sensation of cutting themselves brings a temporary state of calmness and is a temporary coping mechanism for psychological pain. Other times cutting is done for manipulation or to get attention. After the act has been committed, the cutter often feels guilty, humiliated, and the negative emotions return.

According to Mental Health America’s website, of the 2 million people in the US who “Self-injure,” the majority are “teenagers or young adults with young woman out numbering young men.” These numbers only represent the people who have chosen to admit their problem. There are many more out there.

After his wounds were properly dressed and he had spoke to his counselor, P__ laid in his bunk and sobbed. I could hear him asking himself why. I could hear him calling himself names . I could hear the soft undertones of the other boys whispering about what had happened. They were looking for answers. I did not have any. I wanted to help. I didn’t know how.

If you or someone you know suffers from the desire to “Self injure,” there are a number of resources out there that can help. One of the of the more specialized Websites that I found is www.selfinjury.com or S.A.F.E Alternatives. This site offers a lot of information about treatment options and also provides an avenue to a lot more information on the topic in general. The site also directs visitors who may need help to the national “Self Injury” hotline (1-800-Don’t Cut)

(Photo Credit: learnsomethingnew @ flickr)