Dear Ann Landers, My best friend is slitting her wrists. I know she doesn't want to end her life, but whenever she has a bad day at school or problems at home, she cuts herself. The last time she did this, I threatened to tell her parents, but she pleaded with me to keep quiet and promised she would never do it again.
We are both 14. She is my best friend, and I want her to be happy and healthy. What can I do to help her? -- Just Me in Philadelphia
Dear Philadelphia, You must insist that your friend get some counseling at once. She should see the school nurse, the family doctor or her favorite teacher. Self-mutilation is a serious problem and requires immediate attention. Don't delay, and don't let her talk you out of it.
Hi! It's Margo here. I'd love to know what you think of the letters -- and the answers!
Also, any additional thoughts you might have. Thanks!
Rodrigo Villaseñor's Comment
You have to be in contact with his parents and you talk about the subject as quickly as possible, so that this does not generate a shorter term car or a long term suicide, you must also contact teachers and friends who help to generate good vibes and that don't fall and keep doing more things like that
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Our Reader to Reader Question of the Week:
Dear Readers, , and that she has not seen her father since. She said she thinks the reason is because her mother is still angry and won't allow the father to contact her. Emily does not know where her father is and told me, 'I will never see him again.'
I have begged Emily to talk to her mother, teachers, etc., but I don't know if she has. I also realize it may be that her father simply has no interest in seeing her, and that it is not the mother's fault at all.
Ann, why do parents do this to their children? Why does a 13-year-old girl have to tell a total stranger about her sorrow? I can be sympathetic, but I cannot really help. Why can't these parents see what they are doing to their little girl by making her feel abandoned?
It breaks my heart that this child is so unhappy. Please, Ann, tell those divorced parents to put their children's needs first. -- Houston Grandma
