by Amanda Roberts

Created on: October 13, 2009

Cutting is a serious form of what psychologists call self injurious behavior. People who cut themselves come in all shapes and sizes and each has their own preferred method and motivation for cutting. If your teen is a "cutter", it is a possibility that you will not find out about it until your teen slips up. So in the mean time, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you go about trying to find your teen's cutting habits. The first thing to keep in mind is cutting and suicide are not the same thing. People who cut themselves may have suicidal thoughts, or may be suicidal, but many people who cut themselves are not suicidal. So do not jump to the conclusion that your teen is suicidal just because you find evidence of cutting. In addition to looking for signs of cutting, you should be looking into getting help from a mental health professional for you and your child. Now for some signs of cutting and how many people hide their cutting.

1. Ordinary Objects. While some people have a preferred tool that they use to cut themselves with, the easiest way to hide cutting is by using an ordinary object. Disposable razors tops pop off with minimal effort and it takes less than a minute to pop out the razor from the top of the casing. Similarly, I can turn a carpet staple, a broken mirror or glass, or even a nail into a sterile cutting device with little effort. So don't think hiding the knives in your house will save your teen from cutting.

2. Cutting under the bathing suit. This is not a literal method, but is an easy way to hide cut marks. Besides your doctor or your spouse who sees your pubic or breast area on a regular basis? The simple answer is no one. This is why so many teens who cut hide their cuts in these areas. Some also cut on their arms and upper thighs and then wear long sleeves or long shorts in order to hide the cut marks. Cutting in the joints is also a very successful and very painful way to hide cut marks because of how frequently the cuts can reopen. This means cutting in the elbow bends, knee bends, etc.

3. Plastic. Plastic is one of the greatest gifts given to those who cut. Cutting yourself is a very intimate procedure, so teens normally choose cut in a place that feels safe. For many, this is their room or the bath tub. So lining the bed sheet or floor with plastic or making sure that the water washes away all the blood in the tub is a simple way to hide the fact that you cut. The added benefit that plastic bags can be washed and tossed away means that those who cut have a simple and easy way hide their activities.

4. Makeup. For those who do cut on visible areas like the lower arms makeup is a wonderful invention. Any girl with experience with concealers can easily hide cut marks on the inner arms or legs.

These are the four major ways that those who cut try to hide their cutting behaviors. If you suspect that your teen is cutting, talk to them and seek help together. That is the only way to truly resolve the issue. Just them knowing that you know will not stop the behavior. Good Luck.

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