Scars

Tatiana Cerreta
April 22, 2009
Filed under Archives, News

Stress, the one thing teens understand completely; teens today are facing problems that years ago would shock anyone. But perhaps it isn’t the issues they face that is problematic, but how they deal with their issues. Some turn to harmless releases, such as sports or music; some, on the other hand, have turned to more gruesome ways of handling stress and pain.

“I started cutting last December,” says Adrian*. “Yes, I felt it [would] relieve tension. I would become so upset and then my emotions would just cut off, sort of like being numb, and I cut myself to feel something.”  According to the website “To Write Love on Her Arms,” people who cut are usually going through something extremely difficult, and they channel all the pain and emotion and cut it away.  “We try and deal with the hurt and pain we are feeling. We try and find anything that we can do to take away the hurt, painful feelings, or negative thoughts we are experiencing. Often the things that we turn to seem to help at first, appearing to provide some of the relief that we need so badly.”

Even though some students at BMC cut or have cut in the past, other know nothing about it. Nubia Adams, a Sophomore, comments, “No, I haven’t heard of cutting, but I think if people do cut, they do it to relieve stress.” Many view cutting this way. Others as some see it as an addiction.  Adrian* says, “I liked the control I had over the pain I inflicted over myself. I know I sound crazy, but, cutting was an addiction. I almost saw the cuts on my skin as art.” Savanna Cook, a Sophomore says, “I think people who cut need to find better coping skills.” Adams agrees pointing out one of the harmful effects of cutting, “It’s damaging to your arms or the area where you cut, and you shouldn’t do it.” “I think it’s sad, I mean I don’t know what draws them to that,” Elyse Pare’, Sophomore, says.

What do you do in this situation when your friend is cutting? “You can’t judge people by their looks, or their actions and you should try to be understanding if you know someone who cuts.” Adrian* says.

Support, the main thing individuals need in circumstances such as cutting, can make the load on their shoulders seem so much better with someone they can trust by their side. Adrian* says, “To quit cutting, I had to get professional help to find an alternate way to relieve stress. And, even now, I still have my moments of weakness where I still think it would just be easier to cut, but, I have to get over it somehow because I have to be strong. I am left with the scars and I try not to wear short sleeve shirts because it leads to awkward questions.” Adrian* cautions teens who are tempted to cut to not let stress define them because if a person cuts the scars will define them instead. “Cutting is a weakness and people need to be strong.”

* Names have been changed for privacy.

For help or advice on cutting or self-injury please visit:  http://www.twloha.com