Dear Isabel,

I want to say that you are very brave for admitting that you are depressed and you know that cutting is a bad addiction, so you want to put an end to it. The first step in ending an addiction is realizing that it is harmful to you! Breakups are always very painful so it is understandable that you are feeling depressed and wanting to hurt yourself.

People cut themselves for different reasons, maybe it is a way to not feel your emotional pain so you cut to feel a physical pain instead. Or maybe you feel numb and cutting is a way of feeling alive again. Or maybe you are angy at your ex and you can't take it out on him so you are taking it out on yourself instead. With your breakup, it is understandable that you would feel some or all of these things, but cutting is never the answer, there are safer ways of dealing with breakups and depression. It is important for you to know the dangers of cutting: they leave permanent scars (which will always remind you of these tough times), and they also cause infections. They can even cause shame, guilt, and even more depression just by feeling guilty about cutting. A great way to relieve stress and quickly enhance your mood is to exercise. Try going running and listen to music you like (not sad songs!). It will make your body and mind feel good and the more you do it, the less you will think about being depressed. It is also good to talk about your ex to your friends, but try not to think about the good times you guys have had, and focus on the bad times so you will not feel bad about the breakup. Every relationship has it's ups and downs but after a breakup it is important to remember why you two broke up and why it wasn't working out. This will also help you in your next relationship because you will know what you want in your next boyfriend and what you don't. If you are feeling numb and cutting makes you feel alive, try taking a cold shower, it will really make a difference trust me. Or do something new and exciting to get your mind off of your ex. Try learning a new trick such as playing an instrument or start playing a new sport. Your focus will go to this new hobby and you won't think about your ex as much and you won't be tempted to cut yourself either.

If you want some more information on cutting and other safe alternatives, try browsing this website... http://www.safe-alternatives.com/

To learn more about about how exercise can help you with your depression, read these sites... http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression

and http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043

I really hope this helped! Please remember to exercise and talk to loved ones! As time goes on, you won't be as depressed from this breakup, so the sooner the better right! =] if you EVER need anyone to talk to you, you can write us another letter or you can talk to someone from the Trevor Helpline by calling 866-4-U-TREVOR

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