Youngsters who cut

Wendel Abel, I AM WHAT I THINK

My phone rang. It was a frantic call. The voice on the other side was talking about a youngster who had been cutting himself. It was the third call I received that week about a young person 'cutting'. Many people may express surprise, but this cutting phenomenon has become quite common in Jamaica, especially among teenage girls and college students.

Cutting is a form of self-injury or self-abuse in which an individual deliberately uses a sharp object to cut the skin and inflict pain. Objects commonly used include knives, fingernails, pens, staples, thumb tacks, wires and pieces of glass.

A cry for help

Why do persons deliberately cut themselves? This is often to deal with pain. In some instances, youngsters cut themselves to gain attention. Cutting is a cry for help, and such individuals may be suffering from depression, anxiety or dealing with a painful trauma.

Does the cutting provide relief? Yes, it does. It allows for a relief from the emotional pain. In addition, some of the individuals who 'cut' state that they do enjoy the pain associated with cutting. The cutting becomes self-soothing and reinforces the behaviour until it becomes addictive.

Is cutting suicidal behaviour? Most cases of cutting are not suicidal or life-threatening. In some cases, however, individuals may not be aware of what they are doing and might use very sharp objects to cut, which could result in excessive bleeding and death. The truth is, if many of these youngsters wanted to kill themselves, they would use more deadly methods.

Why teens cut

A wide host of problems lead youngsters to cut. These include family problems, sexual and other abuse, low self-esteem, drug problems, trauma and depression. Youngsters who cut have poor coping skills and poor problem-solving skills. Many of them do not know how to express their emotions or may be living in an environment where they cannot or may not be allowed to express their pain.

Parents may not be aware of the behaviour as these youngsters will become very secretive and do everything to hide the cuts. It is often the teacher or guidance counsellor who recognises the problem.

Dealing with cutting

1. Do not panic. Recognise that this is someone in pain and who is crying out for help.

2. Be compassionate and avoid being judgmental. These youngsters need love and attention. They need someone who is understanding and caring.

3. Refer to a competent professional. These youngsters need to be referred to a competent professional who will do a proper assessment and make appropriate intervention.

4. Therapy helps. Cognitive behaviour therapy helps. In this form of therapy, we teach youngsters more adaptive coping and problem-solving skills.

If you know of someone who has been cutting, encourage him or her to seek help.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Deptpartment of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.