Youth Yellow Pages: Cutting & Self Injury
"I always cut deep enough to bleed, and I can’t stop myself. I'm afraid of people getting close to me, then rejecting me." -15 year old
Self-Injury, or “cutting” refers to any sort of self-harm which involves inflicting injuries or pain on one’s own body. Once seen and treated as a suicide attempt, trained mental health professionals now define the act of cutting as an unhealthy coping mechanism designed to immediately alleviate tension, anxiety, stress and depression. In other words, when reality feels overwhelming, some turn to cutting themselves, several times a day, with sharp objects in order to relieve their inner pain.
Concerns should be raised in any of the following situations:
- Increase in frequency and distribution of piercing and/or tattoos
- Scarification and branding (any activity that involves burning or cutting the flesh)
- Decisions to have body modification or procedures done under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Altered mood states
- Poor self-image and self-esteem
Regardless of someone’s background, the common link in all self-injurers is the need for consistent, relationship-oriented support, nurturance and guidance. In addition to the constant struggle with the desire to cut one’s own body, eating disorders, hair pulling, piercing, tattooing and skin burning are other conditions that may co-exist with cutting.
If you or someone you know is inflicting pain upon their body, the following resources and services are available to help.
Safe Alternatives ...........................................................800-366-8288
24 hour recording www.selfinjury.com
Office: (630) 305-5813
Support for those who engage in repetitive self-harm behaviors.
The Healing House.........................................................213-470-7730
www.thehealinghousela.com
A private therapeutic treatment center specializing in the treatment of self-injury. Offers intensive outpatient therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and family support.
Vista Del Mar Outpatient Self-Injury Program.............. 310-836-1223
M-F 8:30am-5pm www.vistadelmar.org
Outpatient counseling and treatment program for teens who have a pattern of
self-injury related behaviors.
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