I think a friend of mine deliberately cuts himself.

[Alexander]

I was at my buddy's house a few days ago, and noticed a big bandage on his arm.

I casually asked, "What happened?"

His response was "Oh, I cut myself."

I assumed he meant it was an accident. Then I saw him again yesterday.

He has two similar cuts on the sides of his abdomen. They look perfectly symmetrical. It's hard to see how they could be accidents.

The arm has a few dozen other cuts on it - he mentioned a series of surgeries that I thought were related, but now I'm starting to wonder if they aren't all self-inflicted wounds.

I didn't say anything at the time. But he is also an alcoholic (which he admits), and went to rehab once (with no effect) and I am starting to worry about him.

I had a girlfriend once who cut herself, a long time ago. I was a teenager and too immature and scared to deal with it, so I eventually broke up with her. She's still pursuing her dreams, but I loved her, and I've always felt guilty about my inability to deal with her situation.

I wouldn't feel right abandoning him or walking away. Any DUers have experience with this? :shrug:

[Dragonbreathp9d]

1. Thats a tough one

I used to hurt myself and I'm not sure anything would have changed that, but just let them know you are there for them

[meegbear]

2. No experience, but here's a link to an FAQ on the subject ...

http://self-injury.net/faq/

[malta blue]

3. Check out the Mental Health Support Forum...

I think there are some threads on cutting over there...

:hug:
for your friend

[Rambis]

4. Professional help

I have know several cutters they do it to relieve stress etc etc a therapist needs to get to the root of the problem or they will never stop.

[Inchworm]

6. What he said

:(

[Inchworm]

5. Handle with care

seek a pro...

I've seen a couple people who did that and it wasn't pretty.

:(