Health:
“My friend's daughter is cutting.”
Hey Terra,
My friend's daughter approached me with information that her younger 16 year old sister has been cutting herself. I spoke with the younger sister about her going to see a professional counselor and she only wants to speak with me about it. Can you instruct me in helping her?Confidante
Dear Confidante,
I feel strongly that it is your responsibility to tell your friend what you know. Anything less and you are looking for trouble.
If a child of yours was cutting, and your friend knew about it, you'd expect her to tell you, wouldn't you? How else can the girl's mom do her job of getting her daughter professional help?
The psychology behind what drives some kids to cut, can be very complex.
Here's are some resources that will give you some insight into the behavior:
While your intentions are good-hearted, unless you are a therapist with experience treating teen patients who cut, you cannot help her. In fact, by not informing her mother, your silence is delaying her getting the help she needs.You want to help the girl... Tell her mother what's going on.
In friendship,
Annie
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