Can i talk to a teacher i trust?

Question

I'm now 13 years old and have been cutting myself since i was 11. I dont have anybody i trust to talk to about it. I do have a teacher i trust.

Can i talk to her about it? and if so, how do i bring the conversation up?

Please help .

Answer 1

Talking to a teacher is so much better than bottling something like this up inside you. However, understand that in many states, when you tell a teacher something this serious, she is obligated by law to report it to Child Protective Services.  It's not a choice she can make. It is the law; your teacher can be punished by prison time and they will take away their teaching license for not reporting it.  However, that does not stop the teacher from talking to her, if you are comfortable trusting her.  

With that in the background, bring up the subject is relatively easy. Choose a time when she has time (more than a few minutes) to concentrate on you--before/after school or lunch--and tell her what you just told us...I need to talk to you. I'm cutting.  Chances are she'll listen and try to help you if she can.  Good luck.

Answer 2

I would recommend that you consider talking to someone like a counselor as well.  There are resources out there, but you need to bring yourself to the attention of people who know what the resources are.

Answer 3

You should definately talk to someone about this - if you feel that you can't tell your parents then I suppose a trustworthy teacher wouldn't be a bad option. My sister and I have both struggled with cutting so I know what its like - however both of us have now gotten help and have realized that cutting is just a symptom of something bigger. You most likely have something in your life that you feel the need to escape from, and if you don't either deal with it or see a professional, then it will only escalate. I'm sorry to hear that you are affected in this way - I do hope that things work out for you.  

Answer 4

If you live in Michigan, teachers are required by law to involve Child Protective Services on anything that could be endangering a child's health & welfare.   This law is meant to primary protect a student against parental abuse & neglect.  If a teacher suspects anything, they must report it or face criminal liability charges.  

You might want to inquire first, what a teacher's obligations are if you're seeking complete confidentiality.  But you really do need help, so I'm hoping you'll do the right thing here & tell the teacher.  

Answer 5

I agree with Smileytrysh and Jim W please talk to someone soon.