Dad confronted me

[Bubbles37]

As the title states, my dad confronted me about my self-harm today. He just straight-up asked, "Are you cutting yourself?" I denied it. I know, it was stupid of me. He wouldn't let it drop, though, and kept asking about it and saying he wanted to help because he cared. At this point, I was shaking and crying, but I hid it as well as I could. I'm such a bad liar, though, it was really obvious, even though I kept denying it.

Why didn't I admit it, though? I could have gotten the help I so desperately need. Well, I'm a total idiot for not asking for help when I could have. I guess I didn't admit it because I don't want to stop. I know it's really bad, but I am not ready to stop self-harming. I know it makes things worse in the long run, but I've been feeling so terrible lately that I just need a quick fix. Also, the thought of having someone know is really scary. Basically, I know I really need help, but I don't want it at all... It's like this monster that my (undiagnosed) depression is won't let me ask for help.

[αγάπη]

I went through the same thing, but with my mom and she let it drop. Chances are, your dad asked because he already knows you SH. I think you should just go to him, and tell him how you feel and what you do. The person you will go to to get help can give you some great alternatives, I'm sure. Please seek help. I know it's hard, I haven't even done it yet, but you need to. Please. You can always PM me if you want to talk more about it. <3 and Hang in there.

[bailatyvm]

Yeah; I mean, if he already knows (at least, that's how it seems) maybe you could drop him a note saying that you do really want help and that you're thankful that he cares. Or something. Go get that help. <3

[Dez]

Hey,
I agree that it seems as if he already knows that you are self harming. Like Faith said, maybe it is a good idea to give him a note explaining it. Sometimes you are able to better get out in writing what you are too nervous to say to a person's face. I know that that really helped me out, I ended up giving a note to my guidance counselor explaining the situation and it helped me A LOT. Now I'm getting the help I deserve. You deserve to get that help too, and maybe it is best that you tell him, since it seems as if he already knows. Stay strong.

-Dez

[Palmolive]

Hi there.

I'm going to be blunt and honest from my opinion and my experience. I don't think you will stop self harming until you want to stop. You have to want to beat it and live a life with out self harm for you to actually do it. Saying that, you getting help doesn't mean the first thing they're going to do is get you to stop but they might help you work on the issues causing you to feel so low and talk through them and maybe help you see them in a different way to help you feel differently about them leading then to when you are ready, going on to what distractions you can use etc. But you getting help does not mean you're making a decision to stop self harming now. People, such as doctors, counselors, school nurses etc, will want to help you by going at your own pace. They're there to help you. I know it can be scary to reach out but sometimes, just having someone there to talk to about how you're feeling and what you're thinking can really help. I don't think there's anything to lose from you getting help, but there is a hell of a lot to gain from it and it sounds like your dad is supportive and I think getting help might be really beneficial for you.

I hope this helps. Hang on in there, you can beat this.
Jessie

[Total Light Storm]

You can still get the help you need.
You should go talk to him and let him know that you actually do cut yourself and that you didn't admitt to it earlier because you were scared and nervous about it.
I know this isn't an easy situation to be in, but your dad sounds really supportive and like he would understand the reasons why you didn't say anything.
It's okay that you don't want to stop SH right now, that is something you have to work up to and when you start getting support and help from your family and others, you will be able to learn ways of coping and how to deal with the urges and eventually you will want to stop and stop SH completely.
It isn't something that anyone should expect you to just stop right away because it can become addictive and hard to quit.
But with time and the right help, you will get to that point.
I hope this has helped and you can PM me if you ever need anything.
Stay safe and good luck with this, you can do this!

[SM13]

Hey
I agree with what has been said above. I talked to the school councilor then she had a meeting with just her and my parents. It made it a lot easier not having to break the new to them. Also something I did that was helpful was I gathered up the pocket knives I had hidden in my room and put them in a plastic bag under my dads pillow while he was at work with a note that said please hide these where I can't get to them. It's really helped cuz I tried hiding them b4 but the problem with hiding stuff from yourself is that you know where you hid it. I hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk
~SM~

[Bubbles37]

Thanks for replying, everyone

I've decided I want to tell him and get help. I still don't feel like I want to stop, but I want to get help, since the SH and depression are taking over my life. I'm so scared to tell my dad, though. I'm thinking I'll write him a note. I was thinking I would just say, "Yes, Dad, I have been hurting myself. I think I'm depressed. Help, please?"
My question is, do you think this would work, or should I write a longer note explaining more?

[BlaineG.]

Hi There,

Personally I would go with the note and give it too him.

Please feel free to send me a PM if you need anything.

[leavemealone]

You have to let the part of you who wants the help to come out you really really want the help, I can tell! Just be strong, and confide in you dad, hes there for a reason.

[Total Light Storm]

Hi,

I think that sounds good enough, honestly it is up to you what all you put in that note to him. You can just put that, or you can expand on that if you feel comfortable doing that.
Good luck and I hope all goes well for you.
If you ever need anything, you can PM me and I will be glad to help.

[Unfortunate]

Pretty much the same thing happened to me. But it wasnt just 1 person wo asked. Quite a lot of family asked me if i was cutting myself. I also denied it. He finally noticed the cuts enough times that he took me to counselling. Im glad you going to write a note. It will help. Im also glad that you want help. That will help with recovering. Its up to you to write a long or short note accordingly on how much you want to tell him about everything. I hope it all goes well for you.
Don't ever hesitate to PM me. Im always here.