Telling the Shrink?

[Blue63]

Have any of you ever done this?
So I've had a psychologist for a year or so. I seem him about once a month or so. I use to have depression and horribly low self-esteem. I've gotten much better about those things, and now mostly go for anxiety and general life issues (venting). I've been cutting for about six months now, steadily for...three or four? It's getting bad, and I'm kinda scaring myself with it. I'm no longer convinced that I can stop whenever I want.

I want to tell my psychologist, get his opinion, maybe some coping methods, but I'm nervous. I'm not depressed. I'm NOT suicidal by any means. I just self-harm. Will he over-react to this? Will I be shoved into a system of clinics and group therapy? Will he tell my parents?

Am I over-reacting by wanting to tell him? A part of me thinks it's just for attention, but I don't know. I do want to stop, but it's not like he can give me meds or anything.

Do you think it's worth it? Let me know!

Best regards,
Matt

[kenoloor]

Depending on confidentiality laws wherever you currently reside, he may or may not disclose to your parents. In Illinois, USA (and most, if not all, of the States) adults are required to break confidentiality if you may harm yourself or other, you are currently harming yourself or others, or are suicidal...and maybe if you're dating someone too old? Not sure about that last one, but it's irrelevant.
I encourage you to research confidentiality policies for your specific area regarding that.
Also, he shouldn't overreact. He's a counselor for fuck's sake.
Ultimately, it's up to you.

[dark_soul777]

I think you should definitely tell him, I know it would help.
Where I live (Australia), the law says that they can only tell your parents if they decide you are a danger to yourself or others. I'm not sure where you live so I can't tell you what it's like where you live even though it will probably be similar.
I'm not sure if cutting without suicidal intent would count, I guess it would depend on how bad/frequent the cuts are, but again I'm only guessing.
I really do think you should tell your psychologist if your able to, I've been trying to do just that myself for weeks, If you ever need anyone to talk to about this or anything else, I'm here for you :)

[Kitten]

I've never told a shrink. And I've been to like, 5. I'm just not comfortable knowing she could put me in a asylum or something.

[Fiction]

I would definately recommend telling him.

I've never had to tell a psychologist about my cutting, but i've had to tell nurses in hospital. They hardly reacted at all, although there where I guess bigger things happening at the time. Either way, my advice is to tell him. He can help, and tbh cutting is a secret that can't be kept forever.

[Amaryllis]

Sweetheart, he definitely will not overreact. He is a trained professional who has most likely helped people who have done the same. By telling him now, it saves you the anguish and scarring, as well as difficulty, in the future. It is much easier to stop earlier on than it is to wait.

Often we cut for the sake of cutting. When you cut, you feel better - and that is because your body releases chemicals into your brain that make you feel better when you are in pain. It's like a drug, somewhat like smoking. It provides you with a mild, temporary release and escape from the world. And it just improves your mood a little, sometimes.

The danger is when it becomes addictive and you become reliant on cutting to feel better - as is happening now. Chin up, honey. Tell your therapist/counsellor/psychologist everything. That is what they are there for. It's difficult and I know you feel embarrassed and afraid - but it's completely worth it in the end.

You don't -need- to cut. It may feel like a need but it truly isn't. Stay strong and be resilient.

Love,
Amaryllis.

[georgiamay]

I definitely would say you should tell him.

The chances are he's seem self harm so many times. It's a pretty common thing, especially amoung people that already have mental health problem. He definitely won't over react.

By telling him you're letting him know that you're struggling to cope with things in a healthy way, so you're turning to self harm. If he doesn't know, he can't help you properly.

I can't tell you if he'll tell your parents, it depends on the confidentiality laws in the US and that kind of thing. Here, at my age they only tell your parents if they think you're a danger to yourself or others, and I mean things like whether or not you're suicidal and if you're going to hurt someone else. Schools are different thought. They have a duty of care so pretty much have to tell your parents most things.

Good luck with everything. :hug3:

[Blue63]

Gah, I'm so sorry for the late reply guys! Seriously, those were some of the best posts I've received in this section. Thank you, sincerely, every one of you!

I guess it's just about unanimous then, huh? I think the main thing is that I don't want to become reliant, I don't want cutting to be a permanent crutch. I want it to end. I'm not sure that I can do it on my own, and since I have the resource, I may as well utilize it. Thanks so much, your posts have inspired me and given me a confidence in the matter that I desperately need. Thank you. All of you.

Matt

[RustyRockets]

Hey Blue

Just a quick one - I was in a similar situation and went ahead and told my therapist/specialist. It worked out better than keeping it to myself - I still SH often but I know it's not a secret to the whole world so it's less of a burden. Go for it I say and good luck!

Rus

[Syvelocin]

I tell my psychologist anything and everything she asks me. She's not there to have me be comfortable. Well. She is. But that's not why I see her, to be comfortable. I don't see her to skip over details. If you tell anyone, tell a doctor you trust (some can screw you over, so test the water for a while if you don't know them well). Sounds like you've known him for a bit though. Never be nervous about that. You can tell ANYTHING to a good doctor. A good doctor WILL NOT judge you, and will not freak out unless they sincerely believe you are in danger. Typical doctors will not consider self-harm being "in danger" unless your cuts are really bad. I mean, no one can assure you anything. But ideally, no, he shouldn't tell your parents unless you are planning to kill yourself, which is a no, no, he shouldn't over-react.

You have a valuable resource at your disposal: a trained specialist who you have to see either way. So take advantage of him.