Is Your Teenager a 'Cutter'?

You know your teen is moody and doesn't speak to you very much. They are rather isolated and have few friends. They seem depressed to you but they refuse to see any type of doctor. You are not sure if you should be concerned or if this is just part of teenage behavior. You've noticed that they wear long sleeves all the time and long pants or dresses - even when it's hot outside. Though you've suggested that they wear lighter clothing they refuse. Your once loving and active child has become secretive and is avoiding you. There are many reasons why these things may be happening but one very serious reason may be that your teen is a 'cutter'.

What is a 'cutter'?

Cutters are usually teens and young adults. They are depressed, are experiencing a sense of numbness and disconnect from the world and maybe from their own bodies. In order to feel anything they cut their skin to feel the pain and see the blood. Most of the time they make cuts just deep enough to slice the skin to bleed. They cut one next to the other and can cut many many times. They can be cutting anywhere on their bodies and wear long clothing to cover the cuts. They usually cut on their arms, stomach, legs and thighs. Girls may cut their breasts. They may spend hours quietly cutting and rarely let anyone know. Cuts can become infected because they are never cleaned or cared for.

Accidents Happen

Cutters begin making superficial cuts. But if allowed to go on they will cut deeper. Usually a cut wrist that does not stop bleeding will scare a cutter and they will wind up in a hospital emergency room. Many times doctors will recommend admission to the hospital psychiatric unit to help address the depression and the cutting. Some cutters will not let anyone know and will die from the cut.

What Can a Parent Do?

If your teen is wearing long sleeves and pants in the summer or refuses to see a doctor if they seem sick or depressed, demand to see their arms and abdomen. If they are cutting it will be obvious. Do not try to handle this by making your teen promise not to do it again. Cutting becomes very much like an addiction - they cannot stop. Getting professional help is essential. Don't resist admitting your child into a hospital for treatment. It is standard treatment for this condition and they will need to be in therapy once they are discharged. Families are often included in the treatment with cutters. Be an alert parent.