If someone tells a therapist or doctor about cutting occasionally to relieve
stress, will they "put the cutter away" or send the person for an evaluation
at a hospital?
– Emmie*
When you're thinking of confiding in a therapist, doctor, or parent, it's natural
to worry or wonder about what will happen next.
In almost every situation, cutting and the issues surrounding it can be cared for
in a therapist's office — without going to a hospital. To set your
mind at ease, tell your therapist that being hospitalized is something you are
concerned about. Ask your therapist to explain to you the types of very rare occasions
when someone might need to get treatment at a hospital. That should reassure
you and help you feel comfortable opening up.
Telling someone about cutting can take courage, honesty, maturity, and trust. It's
a healthy step that can lead to talking more about the things that stress you, receiving
understanding and support, and getting the most from working with a therapist. Talking
about cutting with a therapist can help a person find ways to relieve pressure and
stress without self-injuring.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.