I’m 11 and I cut myself since I was 7. My classmates found out about it because my best friend who saw the scars on my arms started spreading rumors. What do I do?
Dear One: If this isn’t a prank question, you need to talk to someone who will assist you to engage with a Transformation Hypnosis practitioner to discover the trauma that is causing you extreme mental/ emotional, and physical pain. No one cuts themselves unless they are in excruciating mental/emotional and/or physical pain. For example, are you being physically abused? Are you being sexually abused by someone in the family or someone outside the family? Are your parents drug or alcohol addicts? Is there domestic violence that doesn’t directly involve you? Do you feel unsafe at home for any reason?
This answer applies to anyone who is self-harming.
First and foremost you accidentally on purpose made sure your best friend saw the scars on your arm so that she/he would tell someone. Of course, telling other students about it (that you call spreading rumors)is the only thing your best friend thought of doing. It isn’t a rumor when someone tells the truth.
As painful as it is that your secret habit of cutting is being talked about, it is a blessing in disguise. I pray that you realize that your best friend doesn’t know how to help you. Yet, you wanted her/him to know because you knew she/he would tell someone. Your best friend may have saved you life now instead of your doing something more drastic.
If you are unwilling to tell your parent(s) that you need help to resolve the cause of the extreme mental/ emotional and physical pain you are in, you need to either call SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 SAMHSA is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental/emotional and physical distress. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. SAMHSA can assist you to get help without telling your parents before they help you. Due to your parent’s legal rights, your parents will be told in the appropriate manner.
If you don’t want to contact the hotline ask your best friend to tell her/his parent(s) that you need help and that is why you allowed your best friend to see your scars.
The bottom line is you need to have help to resolve mental/emotional and physical health issues.
If your question isn’t a prank please get the help you desperately need. I am here only to be truly helpful. I offer a 30-minute complimentary conversation to assist people to make decisions about their mental/emotional and physical pain. See my info below.
480-794-1561 drdorothy@drdorothy.net
Published: October 7, 2022