Cutting: A Teen Epidemic

1. Cutting: A Teen Epidemic By: Robert and Rickard Bagott, Warren Halderman and Jack Roach.

2. How It Starts… • Usually starts because teen is depressed, angry, stressed or punishing themselves and has no other way of releasing their emotions. • Statistics have shown that there is an increase in teen self injury. • After trying once, many teens continue to cut themselves and form a habit.

3. Signs • Unexplained injuries, such as cuts, scratches, burns, bruises, etc. • Poor, repetitive excuses for injuries or scars • Wearing long sleeves in hot weather  • Constant secretiveness or withdrawal  • Having trouble dealing with emotions  • Spending time with people who self-injure, especially on the internet • A history of eating disorders or other forms of self-injury • Having trouble functioning at work, school, and/or in relationships  • Low self esteem

4. The Cutting Edge of Information • Girls cut themselves more than boys. • Most cut themselves on their wrist, arms, bellies or legs. • 90% of individuals who self-injure begin harming themselves during their teen years or younger. • Almost 50% of self-abusers begin at the age of 14 and continue into their 20’s. • Many people that suffer from depression, cut after reaching a peak in sorrow.

5. Facts: • Some people cut themselves to show others they need help, they need to find something or someone that can give them a reason to be here. • Some people cut in order to see that they are in control of something. • When someone cuts themselves, pain relieving chemicals called endorphins are released to relieve stress or emotional pain.

6. Facts Continued… • Broad estimates show that about 1% of the total U.S. population, between 2 and 3 million people cut themselves. • In the U.S., 1 in 200 girls cut themselves regularly. • Almost 50% of cutters or self-injuring individuals have reported being sexually abused. • Individuals who cut may also burn themselves or self-injure in other ways

7. As a Parent or a Friend Do not: • react with anger.  • go into denial about the issue.  • assume this is a "phase" he or she will outgrow.  • ask "Why are you doing this to yourself?"  • try to hide sharp objects. It's an ineffective deterrent. If your child wants to self-injure, (s)he'll find a way.

8. Ways of Helping Do: • admit you and they need help.  • take the problem very seriously. This is not just attention-seeking behavior.  • be completely supportive.  • immediately seek treatment.

9. What To Do If You Need Help • Tell someone you can trust. • Admitting your problem is the hardest part. • Identify what causes you to cut. • Ask for help. Your parents, a medical professional, a school counselor or any adult that you can trust. Do not be afraid, they can help you get through it. • Stay with it. Breaking your cutting habit will not be easy. But with treatment, teens who cut themselves can and do successfully learn more healthy way to deal with stress ands negative emotions.

10. Normal? …No • Some people think that carving their lovers name into themselves is a good way of showing you that they love you, and that they’ll go through any amount of pain for you. This isn’t always the best idea, and this should be obvious. Yes, some people do think it’s very passionate and caring, but if you truly love them, you won’t want them to do that to themselves.