Hurting Inside

Dear Cathy

Things are very bad at home. Sometimes, I just can’t stand it and I cut myself. It sort of takes away the stress, but only for a while because then I feel really, really disgusted with myself. I can’t tell anyone about this.

Mel, age 12

Dear Cathy

What do you do if you can’t see the point any more? If you just don’t want to get out of bed in the morning or carry on with life? That’s how I feel.

Kathryn, age 14

Self-harm is the ultimate way of punishing yourself, of causing yourself some physical pain to match the emotional hurt inside. It doesn’t solve any problems, though, as Mel has realized – feeling two kinds of pain isn’t exactly an improvement. Self-harm can become a habit that’s hard to break, but it’s very dangerous and Mel must get some help to stop the impulse.

Yes, it’s hard to talk about self-harm. Her friends and family may be shocked and frightened by it, but it’s important for Mel to speak out – this is too tough for her to handle alone. Her family and doctor can offer support and counselling to help Mel find better ways to handle the stress that triggers this. Self-harm is hard to hide for long, and no matter what the problems at home, there will be answers.

Kathryn is past the point of looking for answers. She is so low she can’t really see a future, and everything seems grey and dull and pointless. If you feel like this for more than the odd day or so, you are probably depressed. Depression is an illness, and help is out there – both medication and counselling that can work together to lift the cloud and help you to find the joy in life again.

Never be afraid to ask your doctor for help with something like this. Things can go wrong with your mind as well as your body. That doesn’t mean you’re crazy – you’re only crazy if you don’t ask for the help you need to feel better! Seriously, though, when you’re feeling low it can be hard to see a way out of the gloom. If you notice a friend or classmate struggling in this way, don’t just turn away – ask them how they are, or tell a trusted teacher that you’re concerned.

Think about it… no matter how bad you’re feeling, this is not the time to give up. When you hit rock bottom, the only way is up!

Food Wars

Dear Cathy

My parents are going through a rough patch. I’ve got into the habit of snacking on chocolate, sweets and cake when I feel upset. To be honest, it’s more than snacking… I can eat a whole pack of biscuits at one sitting and two or three chocolate bars. Then I feel worse than ever because I’m overweight anyway and I know this is making it worse. I just can’t help it.