Family Psychological Services of Capitol Hill, PLLC
Samantha C. Sweeney, Ph.D.
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • General Information
    • Treatment Modalities
    • Media & Speaking Engagements
    • Events
  • Policies and Payment
  • Workbook
  • Blog
  • Contact
DC License #: PSY1001031 

​735 8th St, SE Suite 300
Washington, DC 20003


(202) 487.5625 
Call for a FREE consultation

Cutting: Teens and Preteens

7/7/2014

1 Comment

 
Cutting is a scary trend that has, unfortunately, been on the upswing.  It has been an issue in the schools that I have worked in and according to my colleagues it is an issue in other schools as well.  We often think of a person who cuts as a teenage girl who seems sad and perhaps depressed.  This girl is often portrayed as Caucasian, middle-class, and attending a suburban school.  We think that she is probably suicidal.  While this stereotype certainly exists, there are many other faces of cutting.  It is not just girls-many boys also cut.  It is not just teenagers-the scary truth is that many middle school and even some elementary school-aged children cut.  It is not just Caucasian, middle-class, suburban girls-more and more children and teens of color and in urban areas are also engaging in this behavior.  The news that is often surprising is that it does NOT necessarily mean that the child is suicidal.  That is certainly a possibility, but not the case all of the time.  Regardless of the intention, it MUST be taken seriously.  The emotions underlying the behavior are usually quite treatable.  Please read this article and browse through this site if you have concerns that your child or a child you know might be cutting.  http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle  
The most important thing if you do suspect cutting is to SEEK HELP!!!  It can be from a mental health professional, a hospital, or a pediatrician, but don't ignore the behavior or assume it will remit on its own. 
1 Comment
Edward Cejka link
2/17/2015 04:39:48 pm

Thank you for sharing this resource.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.