What should I tell my mum?

[Massive-Molly]

My mum found out about my self injury sometime around December and my school counselor made her take me to a psychiatrist once, but my mum refuses to take me back. She doesn't take it seriously at all. It was really upsetting, but now I know why she hasn't done anything to help me recovery wise. She thinks I'm just scratching myself or something. She doesn't understand that I actually break skin and go fairly deep.

Today I was hollowing out a book, just for fun, (well, ok, actually, it's to hide my razors, laxatives and measuring tape) and my mum came in my room and saw the knife I was using to cut the pages and her eyes got so wide and she said, "You don't use anything THAT sharp on yourself, do you?" It took all my might not to laugh because that knife was SO DULL. And she knows how dull it is. I almost said, "Are you kidding me? I'd never use anything this DULL" But I caught myself in time and said, "no mum, I'd never use this knife" and then she walked away.

She really doesn't understand how serious this is. Should I tell her I use sharp things and *gasp* actually break skin? Or should I just let her bask in her ignorance?
I don't know. I think I want to see a professional about my self injury, but I really don't want to upset my mum

*confused!*

[JEANNE]

Maybe.. maybe if she's asking and you are willing to trust her, then this would be that opportunity to be honest and God willing you could get some real support and help for the self-injuring. I cut too, Molly and its so difficult to carry that pain alone. Possibly this would be an open door for you, and for your mum to come together to HELP you find some relief??? I sure hope so. Good luck, hun. Reallly, best wishes, I hate the cutting sometimes more than or equally to the ed.

[BiG-fake-SMiLE]

well if you want some professional help and you want recovery from cutting then definitely tell her. almost all cutters either now or in the future hurt themselves so bad that they need hospitalization. even if you don't think you'd ever do that, it can happen. so I'd ask for help if you really want to stop ~hugs~

[dragonfly]

I think you should focus on doing what's right for you, rather than feeling bad about upsetting your mum. And if that's telling your mum and seeing a professional then definitely go for it.

And about telling your mum, if you think about it wouldn't she be a lot more upset if you did continue cutting yourself in secret rather than seeking recovery?

[mustbethin61394]

She thinks I'm just scratching myself or something. She doesn't understand that I actually break skin and go fairly deep.

I understand. At first i was so my parents didn't think it was that serious but over time it progressed. It got to the point where i was cutting so deep IN SCHOOL that i had to get stitches. Until i went to the hospital and they had to see how bad it was.

"You don't use anything THAT sharp on yourself, do you?" It took all my might not to laugh because that knife was SO DULL. And she knows how dull it is. I almost said, "Are you kidding me? I'd never use anything this DULL" But I caught myself in time and said, "no mum, I'd never use this knife" and then she walked away.

Ha Ha sorry to laugh but that is just funny. Parents can be very ignorant but that is because they don't want to believe that their child can be mixed up in such self destructive behavior.

She really doesn't understand how serious this is.

I think you should tell her how serious. Maybe not face to face because i know how had that can be but try and write her a letter. You don't have to even give it to her but if you put your feelings on paper it can be very helpful

I think I want to see a professional about my self injury, but I really don't want to upset my mum

Honsetly it doesn't matter what your mother thinks if you need help you need help. I have been hospitalized twice in one year. Today is actually the annaversay of when i went in the first time. If you don't want to do it anymore then go get some help.

Hope my advice was helpful

If you ever want to talk i can give you my number

Good luck love :)

[sadgirlsmiling]

Mustbethin, I feel for you. I've been a cutter half my life. It really hurts when someone is taken into that circle - either because you put your trust in her or because she's forced in by finding out - and they don't take it seriously. Fact is, I find that most people minimize SI because they want it to be not a big deal. If you're only scratching and it's just a phase and everything's ok, she doesn't have to face her own feelings about it. That part of it isn't about you, it's about her. I know that's cold comfort.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to involve someone on the outside. A counselor, teacher, trusted adult. It's so hard, but that person isn't too close to you to see things objectively. Let that person help you however he can. Maybe he can talk to your mom with you, or put you in touch with a counselor who can help you in the meantime.

If you're ready for help, you deserve to get it! No matter how severe your SI is, it's important to you! Don't let anyone make you feel any different.