How do i tell my parents that i am a cutter?

Question

I've been a cutter from the time i was 10, and im 17 now. i want to tell my dad, but he wont understand, how can i make him understand, or help him too. i really hate hiding secrets from him, but i dont want to have him make it worse. someone please help

Answer 1

just come right out and tell them.. be prepared for a whole lot of misunderstanding and wanting to get you committed or therapy.. good luck!

Answer 2

Just knock it off. Then you won't have to tell anybody anything.  

Answer 3

There is a slight possibility they already know, but don't want to bring it up first. I'm a hair puller(brows, lashes, scalp), which mentally and emotionally are quite similar in nature to what you probably experience. It's an "impulse control disorder/obsessive control disorder". I think to tell them in a casual way, don't start with "I have some really bad news. I'm not pregnant, but..." Just over dinner or something just blurt out "Um,, occassionally, when I'm stressed, I cut myself, and it makes me feel better. But I don't do it because I'm trying to kill myself." Then just be silent. It is important to let them respond rather than just keep rambling on about it. Answer any questions they have truthfully. And if your purpose in telling them is to have them help you stop, try to be open minded to their suggestions. But again truthful as to your response. Like, if you honestly don't want to attend "rehab" or feel you do it due to depression, do NOT let them force you to go. This can exacerbate the habit, feeling you are losing even more control. Hopefully they won't respond with anger. Suggesting they do their own research in the subject on the internet should help them understand without putting all the weight on you to give them all the answers, that you probably don't really understand completely yourself. Good luck! Your parents may surprise you. All they really(should) want is for their "baby" to be happy and healthy!

Answer 4

Its not easy to stop, i know frenz in that situation, but WOW 10

You dont know if he'll understand, if you dont tell him. Maybe he knows like why people do it and probably would want to help. You'll never be ready until u did it hun.

by the way im 13

Answer 5

JUST TELL HIM but do it in a place or setting that you know he will like

Answer 6

just be like, "i cut myself to feel alive" (its from emo elmo)....

Answer 7

It sounds as if you and your dad have a pretty decent relationship so if I were you I would start out by asking him if you can sit down and talk.  Make him aware of the fact that you have something serious to tell him and you need him to be there for you as not only a parent but, as a friend, too.  Mention the fact that what you are about to tell him you would prefer not to be judged but, that you just need help on a matter.  Also, explain to him that he has to be rationale about the situation because you feel bad enough as it is and you don't need anything maing it worse.

Explain to him why you think you have this condition and tell him that you are willing to get some form of help for yourself.  He will respect you and appreciate that you went to him and, he will also feel at ease if you agree to talk to a professional.

Answer 8

u have 2 tell him cuz if u dnt ur gonna take ur cutting 2 far...

i kno it feels gewd wen ur unda stress but u gotta stop

Answer 9

Stop doing it, and you won't have to tell him.  

Answer 10

umm...

i rele dont see

why you have to tell

your dad i know that you

must tell him everything..

but every one has secrets.

if you have to tell someone

then dont tell someone that

will flip and like take you

to therapy or something.

tell a friend or school counsler..!

Answer 11

I'm guessing that one reason you want to tell him is because you want help, and that's a great starting place for both of you. Approach him by letting him know that you have something you need his help and support with, the rest should fall into place after that.

He may not understand why you do it or what you need from him, but whatever the case he will not be mad at you...if he seems mad it's that he's upset with himself for not knowing or being able to help you sooner.

Good luck, and take care of yourself.

Answer 12

This site helped the person that I told, understand cutting.

http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/injur...

If you click (on the left side) "Living w/ SI", it tells you what to/what not to do when you tell someone that you cut. "Why", "Who", and "Family/Friend" will help your parents understand why you do it, help them deal with what they feel, and how to react... there's also a "Self-Help" part that gives you a list of things that you can do other than cutting/scratching/hitting/etc., depending on what you feel like (ex: if you're mad, sad, want the feeling of pain, want to see blood, etc.). And it has a lot of other helpful information, too :)

Read through the site, so you know what to expect from them.

If they over react, explain to them why you do it, maybe show them the site, explain that you do it to feel better and it's not any kind of attempt to kill yourself (sometimes people think that), and give them time to think.

Answer 13

Ok this is hard to do because there was a period where I did it as well. The best way to face this problem is head on, sit him down and tell him you have something to say and you would like for him to not say anything till you are done. Once you have told him tell him why you were doing it, whether it was to escape from reality or depression let him know that you realize you have these issues and that you are looking to him for support and help. Any father wants to make sure that their daughter is ok and i am sure that he will understand and help you with what ever you need. I truly hope everything works out for you just stand up and tell him. Hope all goes well.  

Answer 14

What is there to understand in cutting?  Honey, you need to tell your parents so that they can get you help.  Cutting is not okay.  Please go get some help.  Even if you don't tell your parents, tell your doctor.  Your life is very important and your parents will only want to help you out.

Answer 15

i mean... the only thing you can do is just sit him down and tell him..

are you still doing it? because if so you need to be prepared for the consequences..

just be honest.. try to make him understand.. maybe if you kept a journal of those times show him..

i can't give too much advice because telling people is something i havent even done yet.. but its been a month since i've done it so far..

i hope you find the strength

but im sure you've been through worse

Answer 16

well talk to your dad and tell him how you feel and tell him that cutting your self makes you feel better

i don't cut my self but one of my friends does  

Answer 17

i never told my parents, they found out.

it was HORRIBLE.

do you actually want your parents to know, or are you just feeling guilty?

if thats your way of dealing, keep it to yourself.

Answer 18

If i was your'e  parents i wouldnt care....JUST ME