WHAT IS CUTTING?
Injuring yourself on purpose by making scratches or cuts on your body with a sharp object. Cutting is a type of self-injury. Most people who cut are girls.
Cutting is a way to cope with the pain of strong emotions or pressure.
People who cut or self-injure sometimes have other mental health problems. They may have trouble controlling their impulses and may engage in risk-taking behaviors.
Most people who cut aren't attempting suicide.
TIPS FOR ADDRESSING AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS CUTTING:
Don't
React with anger.
Go into denial about the problem.
Assume this is a phase your teen will outgrow.
Say "What did I do wrong for you to do this to yourself."
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, she'll find a way.
Do
Admit you and your child need help.
Take the problem very seriously. This is not just attention-seeking behavior.
Be completely supportive.
Immediately seek treatment for your child
RITALIN:
Intended to treat ADD/ADHD
Possible side effects: increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and insomnia
Students use the drugs to help them study longer with greater focus and efficiency.
EATING DISORDERS & BOYS:
10% of people with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are male
Eating disorders rose significantly among American boys between 1995 and 2005
The increased weight control behavior noted in males suggests growing social pressure for males to achieve unrealistic body expectations
Males have negative attitudes toward treatment-seeking and are less likely than females to seek treatment
(Source: Chao et al. International Journal of Eating Disorders)
WARNING SIGNS OF AN EATING DISORDER:
Won't maintain a normal body weight for height and age
Terrified of becoming fat
He or she feels fat even when he or she is not
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