[BleedingDestruction]

I have a problem. I've been cutting myself more and more to prevent panic attacks when I feel them coming on. My stomach has so many cuts that I can't bend over without hurting, and my legs are so cut up that I can barely get dressed without crying. I need a better way to cope, but all the advice I have from my friend (who also suffers from panic attacks) about stopping attacks isn't working. I can't keep leaving school early because I panicked in class; I'll fail out, and it'll just be another failure to add on to my list of inadequecies.

Help please!

[mortimer]

You need to see a counselor, maybe get on some anti anxiety meds. The bad part is that you're going to keep becoming dependent on this way to cope, and then you're going to have it worse and worse to quit. You're having anxiety attacks for a reason. You're going to have to figure out that reason and deal with it, period.

The stress you're feeling is fueling them and making them even worse.

Try to talk to the school counselor first, they might be able to help with planning how to get through school. Needing to take a break to take care of yourself isn't a failure on your part, it happens to a lot of people, you aren't the first person they've had to help and you won't be the last.

It doesn't sound like it's going to get better on its own, it's going to get worse. Please please please talk to someone.

I notice you're 15. I was 15 when my parents found out I cut. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer what happened. Please get help.

[BleedingDestruction]

I am going to a doctor soon to see about getting meds for anxieties, but I'm not handling it well enough to wait the month it's going to take for me to get an appointment.

I am afraid to tell my parents because they expect me to be perfect and get upset when I can't provide that.

[mortimer]

At least the doctor will help you talk your parents about your concerns. It'll be easier with a professional to educate them as well. Talking to someone, like a school counselor will be helpful while you're waiting to see a doctor, maybe quell some of the anxiety? What were the things your friend suggested?

My parents were kind of the same way. : / It sucked when they found out. It sucked hard. But after they found out I got the help I needed, whether I liked it or not. I never utilized it, but it was finally there. The most useful thing, hands down, would have been to have utilized the therapy.

[BleedingDestruction]

My friend suggested I focus on my breathing, write, and listen to my favorite music. All of these help, but not enough, and it's not an instant relief like cutting is.

My parents suspect I'm cutting, but the only thing they do about it is tell me not to.

[mortimer]

Have you ever tried rubber bands or ice cubes? : / Maybe that would help?

Or even just poking your cuts. I do that a lot. I just sit there and poke where I've cuts. Is it the pain aspect that helps with the panic attacks?

[BleedingDestruction]

The pain stops the panic attacks... Normally it wouldn't make sense, but my trigger is a feeling of inadequecy. Like if too many things that I can't handle are piled on me.

[Sannah]

Originally Posted by BleedingDestruction

my parents because they expect me to be perfect and get upset when I can't provide that.

Originally Posted by BleedingDestruction

my trigger is a feeling of inadequecy. Like if too many things that I can't handle are piled on me.

Can you see how these 2 things are connected?

[BleedingDestruction]

I can, but I don't know what I can do about it.

[Sannah]

Have you ever talked to your parents about how their behavior affects you?

[BleedingDestruction]

Yes, but when they say they are going to stop, they never do.

[Sannah]

So you have talked to them about it. Very good! Habits take time to change. I would suggest reminding them every time that they do it. I have had to change bad habits like this one and being reminded helps a lot.

[GypsyRosalie]

I had this problem is high school. I cut to calm down, to feel control, to feel blood, to feel free. My mom expected me to be perfect: cheerleader, honors classes, straight A's, theater, working. (TRIGGER) I "accidentally" let my mom see a huge bone deep gash on my shoulder by wearing a tank top and forgetting my hoodie. When she saw it, she finally saw me as a person, weak and needing help. She stopped pushing and started doing everything she could to help.
Maybe if your parents could finally SEE you as a person instead of their good little robot, it might help. Seeing and hearing can be so so different. I wish you luck!!!
Alex