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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Friend cutting
Posted on: 03/20/2006
Question
How do I get my friend to stop cutting?
Answer
It is so upsetting to see a friend hurting her or himself that people usually feel they have to make it stop. Unfortunately, you may not actually be able to make your friend quit even if you give them really good advice. Cutting is a sign that someone is struggling with problems and feelings that seem overwhelming and unbearable. It sounds as if you friend may be in this position and for some reason isn't getting the necessary help. Probably the best thing you can do is tell your friend to talk to some adult -- if not parents, then a school counselor, teacher or minister. If he or she won't talk to anyone, you may have to make the hard choice to do so yourself, even if it makes your friend angry.