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I have a problem with cutting myself. I started when I was feeling really angry and hurt. It was a release. But now, I can't stop. I have talked to a teacher, and she told me why I should stop, but that hasn't done any good. I just can't. What should I do?

Friends of mine who cut themselves have told me that in a weird way it makes them feel better; it's a way of coping. But cutting yourself is not a healthy way to deal with your feelings of anger, sadness, depression or frustration. You're hurting yourself more.

Cutting often becomes an addiction. It can be very difficult to stop. That's why it's important to seek help. You can't do this alone. And there's no shame in that. I applaud you for taking the first step of telling a teacher. But now, it's time to go to a youth pastor, parent or school counselor and tell them about your cutting problem. And tell them you need help stopping. Please don't stop looking until you find the professional help you need. As you look, remember to pray because God does care that you're hurting. Ask him to strengthen you.

Jennifer was a friend of mine who experimented with the smallest of cuts. She cut herself in a place where no one would see. When she became angry with her mom, she cut herself more often and deeper. She knew it was getting out of hand, but couldn't stop. One day she was very depressed. In a fit of anger, she slit her wrists so bad that she was rushed to the hospital. She almost died. She told me it surprised her that her cutting could get so bad so fast.

Now, Jennifer is getting the help she needs, but it is going to be hard to stop. Please, don't wait until something horrible happens. Get help now!

Editor's note: To find out how one person dealt with her own struggle with cutting, check out "I Felt Dead Inside."

Due to the volume of mail, Jim cannot answer every letter.

Copyright © 2004 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
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