TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i am going in to high school in a month and i am really nervous and stressed and school hasn't even started! I am feeling sick with nerves. I almost started cutting. I've never cut before but today i felt like i couldn't take it and i took a needle and started scratching my wrist with it. i didnt bleed but the skin is raw and it felt good. Its like i made the emotional pain physical. and i know it is wrong, really wrong. i dont want to progress but i might do it again and i need to stop before it could get bad. Help please, i just need to not be nervous anymore

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hello. Thank you for contacting TEEN LINE.

Going to high school can be very stressful and I understand how you feel that way. It takes a lot to adapt to such a new environment, and you are not alone in those emotions. It can be very tough to deal with all the stress this situation is bringing you. Have you tried talking to anyone? Does anyone know about the emotions that you are feeling? Is there anyone you can talk to such as a friend who is going through a similar situation, you mother, father? A school counselor?

Although cutting may seem like a good way to let out your stress, it can also lead to other physical consequences. Are there other ways you can relieve your pain? Maybe a hobby, a favorite activity, a friend? Here is a website for cutting: self-injury.net. Also, you can call TEEN LINE from 6pm to 10pm PST at 1(800) 852-8336.

I hope it works out for you,

a TEEN LINE listener