Self-Harm in school

Being a teenager is hard. We face pressure, stress, and so many other issues. Sometimes it gets to be too much for one person, but as teenagers we are taught to be independent. We get pushed over the edge and start to lose ourselves. Cutting ourselves or finding other ways to hurt on the outside in an attempt to kill the monsters on the inside.
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When I first started high-school, I had depression and as a result, I cut my wrists and thighs. I was an average student stuck in an advanced academics program and was struggling a ton. In order to cope with the stress and anxiety I faced, I would slit my wrists raw. I had ways to hide it from my parents and the rest of the world for a long time, but on multiple occasions I almost told them. However, the only reason I was about to tell them was because I needed stitches. Badly. But, I was too scared to tell anyone and didn’t get the medical help that I needed, putting myself in an even worse situation. I never did tell anyone about my suffering, and that is without a doubt, the biggest mistake I have ever made.


Cutting is a hard habit to quit, but with support from others, it is possible. Find activities that you love doing or things that help you relax. These will help to distract you from wanting to cut.


If you or someone you know is cutting, talk to someone who can help. Getting it out in the open is the first step to healing, but be aware that if you talk to the wrong people it can make it worse.  A lot of teachers have been in their profession for a while and will have dealt with this type of issue before. Parents can help, but keep in mind that not all parents will understand or be the most supportive of what you are going through. If you prefer to remain anonymous, there are many online resources and help lines to assist you depending on your country or location.


Self harm and cutting are serious issues and need to be stopped as soon as possible. Please speak up if you or someone you know is hurting themselves, there are so many resources to help and you have the entire TWE team’s support as well. Keep your head up, you’re going to get through this.