teen cutting

[Anonymous]

I noticed minor scratches on my DD's forearm today, both sides. They were fairly evenly in a line. She has a history of anxiety but certainly not cutting herself, and when I asked, she said in a believable tone that the cat did it. Should I believe her, or my instincts? (She's 15)

[Anonymous]

Believe her for now. If the cut remains or you notice others then you could question her more. Act innocent rather than questioning her overly and increase the anxiety. Watch for other signs of depression like staying in room all day etc

[Anonymous]

Your instincts. The cat did it is the most common cover lie for cutting. If she had said something else I might believe her but the 'cat did it' is like 'the dog ate my homework". Cats don't scratch both arms in even lines.

I would talk to her about it but don't make a big deal or get emotional or reactive. Don't focus on the cuts themselves. Be very matter of fact. You don't necessarily need to ask her lots of questions - just talk about your concerns with her self-harm and see what she adds to the conversation.
.

[Anonymous]

What does she mostly do when not in school?
How is school going for her?
Friends?

[Anonymous]

She is cutting. Been there with our DD including the whole cat excuse. You need to remain calm and not get emotional but you also need to get her in to see a therapist. Cutting does respond to therapy but it generally doesn't stop on its own and it sounds like your DD is pretty deep into it. There are probably cuts you don't see.

[Anonymous]

I've heard that excuse before. My now 17yo cut on her arms and her thighs. She used to always wear long sleeved hoodies and long pants and shorts that covered her scars. She isn't cutting anymore, but the scars are still there. She doesn't hide them anymore. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've heard that excuse before. My now 17yo cut on her arms and her thighs. She used to always wear long sleeved hoodies and long pants and shorts that covered her scars. She isn't cutting anymore, but the scars are still there. She doesn't hide them anymore. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

Why was she doing it? How did she recover and stop?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've heard that excuse before. My now 17yo cut on her arms and her thighs. She used to always wear long sleeved hoodies and long pants and shorts that covered her scars. She isn't cutting anymore, but the scars are still there. She doesn't hide them anymore. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

Why was she doing it? How did she recover and stop?

She suffers from social anxiety, depression and ADD. She also lost her bio mom at a very young age. As with most people that self harm, it was a way to release from emotional pain. She is on medication for anxiety and sees a therapist regularly. She has stopped for now, but we still watch carefully and check for sharps and blades.

[Anonymous]

She's cutting.

Signed,
Former cutter, age 12-16.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've heard that excuse before. My now 17yo cut on her arms and her thighs. She used to always wear long sleeved hoodies and long pants and shorts that covered her scars. She isn't cutting anymore, but the scars are still there. She doesn't hide them anymore. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

Why was she doing it? How did she recover and stop?

She suffers from social anxiety, depression and ADD. She also lost her bio mom at a very young age. As with most people that self harm, it was a way to release from emotional pain. She is on medication for anxiety and sees a therapist regularly. She has stopped for now, but we still watch carefully and check for sharps and blades.

can anyone recommend a female therapist for a teenager?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She's cutting.

Signed,
Former cutter, age 12-16.

+1 cutter 13-16

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've heard that excuse before. My now 17yo cut on her arms and her thighs. She used to always wear long sleeved hoodies and long pants and shorts that covered her scars. She isn't cutting anymore, but the scars are still there. She doesn't hide them anymore. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

Why was she doing it? How did she recover and stop?

She suffers from social anxiety, depression and ADD. She also lost her bio mom at a very young age. As with most people that self harm, it was a way to release from emotional pain. She is on medication for anxiety and sees a therapist regularly. She has stopped for now, but we still watch carefully and check for sharps and blades.

can anyone recommend a female therapist for a teenager?

Where are you looking for?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She's cutting.

Signed,
Former cutter, age 12-16.

+1, who then turned into a bulimic/anorexic during my 20s. I still have the scars on my thighs (I am in my 40s now). And I also used cat scratches excuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've heard that excuse before. My now 17yo cut on her arms and her thighs. She used to always wear long sleeved hoodies and long pants and shorts that covered her scars. She isn't cutting anymore, but the scars are still there. She doesn't hide them anymore. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

Why was she doing it? How did she recover and stop?

She suffers from social anxiety, depression and ADD. She also lost her bio mom at a very young age. As with most people that self harm, it was a way to release from emotional pain. She is on medication for anxiety and sees a therapist regularly. She has stopped for now, but we still watch carefully and check for sharps and blades.

can anyone recommend a female therapist for a teenager?

Where are you looking for?

DC or any reasonable distance from there (Upper NW)

[Anonymous]

I have a teen daughter with OCD who had a psychologist at Child and Family Counseling in Fairfax/Vienna area. That's a bit far for you. You could call and ask if they have any referrals for NW DC.