Cutting Disorders

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“Cutting Disorders: A Silent Cry for Help” Teens and young adults resort to various outlets with hopes of coping with the pressures they face. Some stress-relieving activities involve eating comforting food or watching TV. For some, however, these activities do not provide adequate stress relief, so they attempt to escape their anxieties through a recently recognized self-mutilating disorder called “cutting.” While gaining more attention in recent years, cutting is still not a well-known practice, yet an estimated 700 out of every 100,000 individuals self-mutilate (Froeschle). Even celebrities like Angelina Jolie have admitted to cutting (Mann). The best way to discourage the practice of cutting is to learn more about the disorder and encourage those who cut to find less destructive ways of coping with stress. Sadly, most people have never heard of the disorder and so do not recognize the warning signs of the practice. I was ignorant of both the disorder and the warning signs until the reality of the dangers involved hit home: I discovered my cousin was cutting. With my cousin in mind, I have noticed that the University of Georgia does not offer any specific resources for cutters. Through my cousin’s struggles, I have developed an acute awareness of cutting, who it involves, and what can be done to help its victims. My cousin’s story relates to so many American teens today. Everyone needs to be aware of how to help those with cutting disorders in their homes, campuses, and careers. Now that I reflect on the living situation my cousin Annie [1] faced several years ago, her battle with cutting no longer shocks me. While I thought at first that anyone who would harm himself or herself in such a way ... ... middle of paper ... ... Froeschle, Janet. “Just Cut It Out:” Legal and Ethical Challenges in Counseling Students Who Self-Mutilate.” Professional School Counseling. 7.4 2004. 28 Sept. 2004 . Gerrard, Nicci. “Why Are So Many Teenage Girls Cutting Themselves?” The Observer. 19 May 2002. 13 Feb. 2003 . Goetz, Kristina. “It’s Not Just A Habit But Rather A Serious Disorder.” The Cincinnati Enquirer. 28 July 2002. 13 Feb. 2003 . Mann, Denise. “When Scab-Picking, Cutting Becomes Addictive.” WebMDHealth. 2004. 28 Sept. 2004 . [1] I am using pseudonyms for all people mentioned in the paper.

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