Questions

[Blackisme]

I already blamed the cat over the cuts on my arms and I dot know what to say when I do it again, I'm not ready to tell my parents about it because they over react with everything. I just need some suggestions on how to hide them in a boiling summer?

[Jessiibear]

First off, you're not alone. A lot of cutters, including myself, try to hide their cuts out of shame, embarrassment or fear. It's okay. Well, it's not really okay...but it is! You know what I mean. It's okay to feel that way. To cope in this way. Just know that there are other ways to cope and ease the pain. Healthier ways.

When I cut in scorching heat, I dab the blood off as much as I can immediately after the deed. Then I wash it off as much as I can to ensure the least amount of red (depending on the size and depth of the cuts) then I either wear a loose but long sleeve shirt (sometimes like ones people would wear on the beach) or hide my arm as much as I can. Make-up is also an option. Or use a gauze or cloth wrap and blame it on a fall or broken glass. I did that once. No one asked me about it with suspicion so I just let it breeze.

My additional advise to you is to tell someone. Even if you've already talked about it, keep talking about it. What are you feeling inside that makes you want to cut? Find someone who understands and can lend you some support. It helps--even if for a little while. If you ever feel like talking just to talk or vent, I'm here. You can produce word vomit about anything under the sun. From cats to food to suicide. I'm here for ya if you ever need. Try to do something that makes you happy to get your mind off of it, too. Every time you feel like cutting, distract yourself. Sometimes when I don't want to cut (but I really do) I bite my nails or scratch the area instead or take a shower or write. It helps sometimes. Sometimes. My mom told me that instead of cutting, swear. It's such a release. I don't act like I have turrets or anything, but when I'm angry or something, I'll let it out. Even if under my breath. Try to find a release that you're comfortable with.

I hate telling my parents things, especially my dad who I don't have a close relationship with. You could imagine the horror I had to go through with him when my mom told him I was locked in the back of a store and groped by some random man I don't even know. But I'm still alive. He yelled, yes. He screamed. He blamed me. But he supported me a little when I went to the hospital and stuff. So maybe telling your parents could be a last resort sort of thing. Let them know that you're hurt. If they're loving parents, they will at least try to understand. But if they blow up like my dad does, making you feel like a piece of shit for doing it, then to hell with them (not really, I'm sorry for sounding so disrespectful, lol...). You make them understand that you're in pain, though. Ask them for help. Let them know that it's not what you want to do but what you're driven to do. If all this applies to you.

I don't know your story. So take my suggestions with a grain of salt. I just want you to know that it doesn't have to be so stressful.

[Desuetude]

I'm having the same trouble at the moment. I'm having to use just a couple of bands on my arms and using layers of concealer and foundation to cover the worst of it but I've been wearing jumpers and jackets quite a lot even though it's boiling.

Another idea, if you've ever heard of it, is henna. It's used in the Indian culture a lot and it's a paste that you 'paint' onto your skin and it's temporary (about 2/3 weeks). That might be an idea if you can do that yourself or get someone else to. However I don't know whether this will draw peoples attention or hide the scars a little better but that option is there.

[suicidalbutter]

I'd rather help you not cut instead of telling you how to hide it, but I always find it hypocritical for me to tell others not to do something I am also struggling not to do. So when you can't control the urges again. When you're at your final straw and losing against the addiction. Do it in another place on your body. Don't cut your wrists during the summer if you don't want to wear a jacket or long sleeves. Cut your upper thigh or rib cage. Somewhere that is more easily hidden.

Or instead talk to someone, distract yourself from the urge. Find someone who also cuts to talk to, you guys can help each other instead of hurting yourselves. Make a pack not to cut if the other doesn't. Tell each other when you do cut, and tell the other person how it makes you feel and what exactly made you do it. Don't judge the other person even if the reasoning seems silly to you. Remember you cut for your own reasons that may sound silly to another person. This idea is better than cutting. Having someone to discuss the feelings with is better than doing the deed.

If you ever want to talk instead of cutting you can message me. I've been cutting for 8 years now. I know all the feelings that go with it.