Boys are cutters too. PD needed.

[Marseeya]

I'm not really looking for advice, maybe just some support and PD.

The high school guidance counselor called me today to tell me that my son cut himself. At first I thought she was referring to something else, as he and his friends play in the woods and he's always quite proud of his "battle wounds." Well, for the past few days he's been wearing long-sleeved tee shirts and I thought it was just a phase. Apparently not! He was hiding the cuts on his arm. He said he did it in his health class out of "boredom" and he used a mechanical pencil (minus the lead) to do that.

I talked to him when he got home from school and he basically acted matter of fact about it and said it wasn't something he wanted to repeat. He's being medicated for bipolar and depression and he's actually been better lately.

Ay yi yi.

 

[Lil_Tink]

Its ok..
Ill share my story about my friend. I dont know if it will help of not but:

Well.. My friend (were not that tight anymore) got taken away from school in a police car for that. She suffers from depression and cut her vein open behind a building. Once she came to school with about 200 cuts on each arm. All the way up to her shoulders. Good thing he says hes not going to repeat it. After some guidence and help she is well.

 

[dmslush]

Is he seeing a counselor? I hope things get better for you.

 

[barkley]

I'm not really looking for advice, maybe just some support and PD.

The high school guidance counselor called me today to tell me that my son cut himself. At first I thought she was referring to something else, as he and his friends play in the woods and he's always quite proud of his "battle wounds." Well, for the past few days he's been wearing long-sleeved tee shirts and I thought it was just a phase. Apparently not! He was hiding the cuts on his arm. He said he did it in his health class out of "boredom" and he used a mechanical pencil (minus the lead) to do that.

I talked to him when he got home from school and he basically acted matter of fact about it and said it wasn't something he wanted to repeat. He's being medicated for bipolar and depression and he's actually been better lately.

Ay yi yi.

you need to speak to his therapist/psych/whoever is treating him. the fact that he was hiding the cuts indicates it is a big deal.

i went through a very difficult period in my life and began to do this-i was basicly feeling very nothing...flat lined...for me i wanted to feel something-even if it was pain. this is something that needs to be addressed through both conseling and meds. managment.

don't just let your son brush it off-it could be an indication that the meds need adjustment as well (hormonal changes in teenagers-or in my case middle aged women-can create the need for constant readjustments of meds.

best of luck.

 

[cepmom]

I'm really sorry you and your son are going through this....have you spoken with his therapist about the cutting? Is there an adjustment counselor at school he can check in with regularly? I tend to think it wasn't just out of boredom....anything unusual happening with him lately? Hang in there....I know it must be hard

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

The Teenage years can be so hard. Hugs to you and your son.
Is there any volunteer work he can do directly helping others? It would take some focus off himself, keep him occupied and give him a good feeling from helping others.

 

[Aidensmom]

I am sorry you are going through this. I would definately make sure his doctor and/or therapist are aware of what is going on.

 

[dis4me]

 

[MinnieM3]

I'm so sorry. My DD did this around the same age. PD your way!

 

[4nana]

I am sorry for what you are going through and know how frightened you must feel for your son, yourself and family. Please remember your Dis friends are always here to listen and lend a shoulder.
I am offering prayers for strength, patience and courage to you and healing prayers that your son's problems are on the mend soon.

 

[rascalmom]

 

[minkydog]

Marseeya, my heart goes out to you. We went through this 18 months ago with my DS19. With good therapy, medications, and two hospitalizations my son is doing very well and has not cut in over a year. But i can really feel your pain. God bless your boy and hold on for dear life.

 

[poohandwendy]

I'm so sorry, this must be very scary for you. Honestly, the fact that he is already being treated is a good thing. It is very possible that his meds need adjusted, which is very common with bipolar disease. (oops, I see barkley addressed this, above) Sometimes the signs they exhibit are very scary, but that does not mean a doom and gloom outcome, just that things aren't where they need to be right now and he needs to be seen by his doctor to discuss this.

It would be a good idea to keep his guidance counsellor informed of your sons situation, so they can keep a close eye on him at school (if they don't already know his bipolar issues)

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Know that this kind of thing can be managed, seriously...I have seen it. It will get better, just keeping a close eye out for problems is the key. I am so sorry you and your son are going through this.

 

[Marseeya]

Thanks everyone.

I'm definitely calling his counselor today -- she's out on sick leave, but I know she'll be checking her messages and can offer recommendations. Plus I'll let his doc know. Regarding his high school counselor, she was actually his guidance counselor in the middle school and was so wonderful with him back then, so you have no idea how grateful I am that she's now at the high school.

I cut as a teen too, so I definitely understand what it's all about and how seriously to take it.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

P&PD for you.

 

[nativetxn]

{{{HUGS}}} sweetie. I know that this is a scary time for you. I'm glad you are calling his counselor. Saying a prayer that this is issue is resolved soon and never happens again.

Katholyn