I don't think your old teacher will think anything less of you if you tell him. It takes courage to find someone and tell them.

It sounds like you may have a bit of a crush on him, and that may be a problem. Sadly, an adult male has to be very careful about dealing with underage girls. Even if your teacher wanted to hug you to give you support, he probably couldn't. At least not with getting into trouble.

It no longer matters if an adult male is patting your back, hugging you or even spending time with you outside of class talking. The appearance of being inappropriate is something that every adult male has to worry about. It doesn't matter that you wouldn't report him. If you really care about him, don't put him in the position where he has to avoid you. Teachers have been fired over rumors of inappropriate contact with a female student. In most cases, there is nothing going on, but its still a problem.

There is nothing wrong with you telling him about the fact that you are cutting, but then ask him if he will direct you to someone who can help you to stop. I know what I told you probably hurts, but that is just the way society is now.

Sam2