[SilkySpeed7]

My little brother is a cutter and has recently gotten into the habit of cutting on his face, under his eyes. Also in the crook of his arm. I know what helps work for me not to cut and I try to lend him support yet still he continues to cut. Also when questioned he says that it wasn't him persay, that he didn't consiously do it. He explains to me similar symptoms of that of PTSD yet, I am wondering about cutting on one's face. ISN't THIS JSUT ABNORMAL........what to do?

[HALLIEBETH87]

do either of u have a T or someone older to talk to? how old r u and ur bro.?

[SilkySpeed7]

I don't have a T nor do I need one. As I am my own T. As for him, he should have one. He was put in Mendota a couple times and if he doesn't stickj to his counseling, he will be brought back into court and recommitted. However, he is only 17 and very irresponisble. So I don't know. I don't like the facial cutting though. And he says he didn't do it, well, he did but he doesn't remember doing it. He waked up and it is just there. Dunno......it's nothing I have expierenced

[dogtanian]

what a difficult situation for you. i think the best route is for you to seek professional advice from a t for him. some cutters do not always have conscious awareness of what they do in regards to their cutting, i think there is some dissociation.

i have si-ed my face, it is a pretty harsh thing to do, even by si-ers standards, if that makes sense - i guess you just need to be there to help him, it sounds like you're doing a brilliant job already. i hope you manage to get some assistance good luck xxxxxx

[Rapunzel]

I have scratched up my face. It was one of the most extreme things that I have done, and it didn't go unnoticed, and I spent weeks afterwards feeling very self-conscious and wearing pancake makeup trying to make it less noticeable. The scars aren't noticeable now (it was a couple of years ago).

I would say that your brother needs therapy. If he isn't willing to go, it's hard to do anything though. Even if he is forced to attend, if he isn't ready to change, he won't. You say that you don't need therapy. Maybe you have finished your own work - I don't know, but if your brother's problems are causing significant stress for you, then you might benefit from therapy whether or not he goes, or even whether or not you have before, to help you to deal with your brother and your reactions to him.

[HALLIEBETH87]

take care