Ok. So me and my friend just got over this huge fight, and when she was reaching for something, I saw cuts on her wrists. Again. She just got over trying to kill herself, and she stopped cutting 3 months ago. But during the fight I guess she started again, and now I feel like it’s my fault and I don’t know what to do. If I tell someone, I think she’ll do it more. It’s really scaring me. I don’t know what to do.
Signed,
Confused, 14, WI
Dear Confused,

Your friend’s behavior is dangerous and very concerning. Though you’re worried that if you tell someone, she’ll cut herself more, it’s very important for her safety that an adult knows what is going on and that she gets professional help. Either a family member, a teacher, or a counselor at school should be told about her cutting, so she can get that help as soon as possible. The longer her behavior continues, the more harmful it can become.

Fights are part of all relationships and people have different ways of responding to arguments. Your friend’s cutting is a very unhealthy way of dealing with the argument. Please remember that her cutting is a symptom of her emotional problems, and is not something that you have caused. It can be very painful and frightening seeing a friend in such distress. In addition to your friend receiving help, it’s important for you to get support. Is there a counselor at your school with whom you feel comfortable discussing this? If not, please call the Trevor help line at 1-866-4-U-Trevor. You will be connected with a counselor who can assist you through this difficult time.

Trevor