Cutting is a very serious issue that should never be taken lightly or even overlooked. It’s important to note that you cannot change your friend, nor are you responsible for her behavior. You are responsible though to pray for her, and to be a friend.
I am not a professional counselor, so I can’t tell you all the ins and outs of why your friend is cutting. Some girls do it because they are emotionally numb, and simply want to feel something (even if it is physical pain). Others do it for attention. And some do it as a way to work out depression or anger. Whatever the reason, cutting is NOT normal. For starters, it’s important that you tell an adult; whether it be a parent, a teacher or your pastor, an adult you trust can help your friend receive the help she needs.
As far as what to say to her, I would encourage her to talk to a counselor, preferably a Christian counselor. Cutting is serious issue and needs to be dealt with in a serious manner, by a professional.
On a personal level, encourage her to call you when she feels the urge to cut. This can be used as an opportunity to pray for her at that moment, as well as become an outlet for whatever she is feeling. And as far as how to act around her - act normal. Think of activities the two of you can do together to help her trust you more, and to help focus her energies away from herself. She needs to know that you will accept her and love her no matter what she does. That doesn’t mean you condone her cutting, but you still love the person and encourage her in the right paths.
Above all, continue to pray for your friend. Sometimes we underestimate the power we have in simply praying for someone, but it goes along way.
Think about it…..
Maybe it’s not cutting, but are you addicted to other things or do things because you feel bad about yourself? (i.e. shopping, eating, exercising, etc.)
For additional information on teen cutting, click here.
Comments (4)
i had/have the same situation about a month ago. my one friend said that when you cut yourself it lets out some type of something that makes you feel better (but i'm not sure if that is true). THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO TELL THE PERSON'S PARENT! Even if your friend is mad at you she doesn't have much reason to be because you are being a good friend and helping her out. cutting is very serious and a horrible habbit.
Posted by Anonymous | June 2, 2008 8:11 PM
I cut myself once, and was SO tempted to do it again. I finally told my friends, and they prayed with me, and I told my mom. Things have gotten alot better. It's hard not to sometimes, but I know that I've got my friends and family on my side! Thanks, Mom and Dad!!! ~Laura~
Posted by Laura | June 28, 2008 1:07 PM
This happened to my friend a few times and we had to deal with it as well. I do not agree with Anonymous' advice, because in my friend's case her parents did not know how to deal with it the first time, and instead of getting her help they grounded her for a weekend. They didn't understand the graveness of the situation. So it happened again and we told the counselur as we did before. She hasn't done it in a while, but this was because a proper professional dealt with the problems. Her parents didn't want to face that fact that she had this problem so they ignored it, which turned out poorly for my friend.
Posted by Erin | July 20, 2008 8:36 PM
I had a friend that cut herself, she called herself an Emo, i prayed for about a month and she started to stop, i kept praying and she quit, and she said ," i dont know why i did it, not i have some scars, i thank all those who prayed for me, exspceally Taylor!"
Posted by Taylor | August 4, 2008 6:59 PM