TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I started cutting 4 years ago and stopped doing it frequently. I was clean for about a year and then i started a new school and felt overwhelmed and beyond depressed. Every once in a while i would cut if i had a horrible day or something made me feel out of control. I stopped using a razor and now just scratch myslef with my nails. There;s no way for me to get away from it. I sometimes wake up feeling like there's no point in getting up.I think about suicide constantly. I'm never gotten worse grades before and i feel like i cant tell my parents about it.cutting feels like the only way to cope with the problems in my life. i hate feeling so depressed and like i'm going to burst out crying. i need help finding a better outlet to deal with my feelings and how to stop feeling depressed. i don't want to hate myself anymore

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like cutting has really taken over your life, and I'm really happy that you are facing your fears and trying to find a solution. Because, it seems like you really do want help, you could visit the website, www.self-injury.net. It has tons of of support and resources to help you break the cycle. I'm worried about your thoughts on constant suicide. It seems like you don't have anyone to talk to and that you really do want to stop these feeling of suicide and depression. I just want to make sure you don't feel alone, and there are places where you could find help. You could call the California Youth Crisis Line at 800-843-5200. They are open 24hrs a day and can help you deal with some of the emotions you have been having. You could also try talking to your school counselor. There are other ways to express yourself and cope, outside of cutting. You could try writing, or listening to music, and even dancing. If you have want to talk, you could always talk to us at TEEN LINE. Our number is 310 855-4673. We are open from 6p-10pm everyday.

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