How should I tell my parents?

[Greke]

My parents never liked people who cut and always told me as a kid how weird those people were. A month or two ago I stepped into my mom's bathroom to tell her something and of course, the one day I wear shorts. She saw my many many cuts on my ankle and automatically assumed that I cut myself and then she said, "Do you know what those people are called, those cutters" I couldn't believe that she would be so cruel in saying that and then she got mad at me about it all and then since I want to tell her on my own time a told her that my desk would cut my ankles, she didn't truly buy it, but it was enough I suppose. Since then, I have only gotten worse and I feel like I should tell my parents before next weekend, when we are going to clean out my closet and I'm gonna have to try on my clothes, and then she could easily find out that I cut, due to the fact that there is no desk that carves hate into your stomach...please help.

Also I'm confused on whether or not emo is the same as cutting and vise versa, so if you have an answer on that, that would be great.

[Desuetude]

Emos and cutting are not the same though emos are stereotyped to cut. People cut for lots of different reasons but if you do then it doesn't automatically make you an emo. You are you and no matter what people say don't let them label you anyway.
Edit: Just want to add that you are not a "cutter" please don't label yourself as one because cutting doesn't make you who you are and it shouldn't be the thing that you put number one in the list when discribing yourself.

I'm sorry your parents reacted in this way. They should be there for you and help you when you're at a low, not judge and stereotype. It might be a good idea to sit your Mum down and tell her, I mean it's better than her finding out accidently. If you're upfront and honest about it maybe her reaction will be kept on the low a little more.
Also if you tell her and she doesn't give you support make sure she knows why people do it. She probably has all her facts wrong so try printing out statistics and reasons that will back you up that you can give to her.

[xXoblivionXx]

Well "emo" stands for emotional. My parents are the same way, they see and hear the stereotype of emo and then they judge them :( I cut and I also want to tell my parents but I don't know how. The thing with parents like mine and yours is they don't see the pain and hardships that "those cutters" go through. I'm here if you ever want to talk/share advice.

[Greke]

I was also thinking about telling my brother first so that after I tell her, he can kind of "soften the blow"...we are really close and I think that he could help me figure out when to tell her and how etc. So do you think that it's a good idea or bad idea.

[Desuetude]

I was also thinking about telling my brother first so that after I tell her, he can kind of "soften the blow"...we are really close and I think that he could help me figure out when to tell her and how etc. So do you think that it's a good idea or bad idea.
That's definitely a good idea. If you think he will help and not freak out as much then go for it. Especially if you're close to him, it might calm you down before telling your Mum, knowing that someone else is there for support. It might be easier because he's likely to be less judgemental as well.

[Greke]

I decided that I'm for sure going to tell my parents within the next week...I was thinking about chickening out and writing a note for them to find while I'm at school so that they have some time to cool off and think for a little while, any ideas of what I could say in the note. You guys have all been very helpful...thank you.

[MemoriesLost]

I think you should just come out and say it. Say that she may judge you, but she should think it out. I didn't tell my mom in time..... I think them finding out instead of you telling them is so much worse. I got in an accident and when the doctor was checking me out, they both saw all my cuts. I felt so terrible I was almost sick. Of course they know now. I just suggest you come out and say it. I am judged by my parents and family and it hurts so bad, but I really think you should say it. I'm sure it would be better than what I did.