As teenagers, we tend to do different things when we are feeling mad or upset. We might listen to music, yell, get into fights, go to our room or even read a book. But for some, anger goes beyond yelling and fighting.

Some people go as far as inflicting wounds on themselves.

Britney (who did not want to use her real name), 17, is a senior in high school. She dealt with her anger and her hurt by cutting herself.

At a mental institution, she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorder, ADHD and Depression.

“My mom always told me not to take out my anger on other people so I did it to myself,” Britney stated. “When I cut myself, I do it to feel the pain because I don’t want the other person to feel what I feel because I feel upset. It was my way of dealing with stuff.”

Although Britney practices normal activities like skateboarding, going to the movies and shopping at the mall with her friends, there are few who knows about her painful scars that will never go away.



“Three months ago, I fell in love with a 17-year-old boy,” said Britney. “We went to the movies, hung out and I even met some of his family members. We broke up and I decided to cut myself on the arm several times because I felt upset.

“I know that some people may think that’s stupid or crazy, but it was the only way I could think of without going to hurt somebody else,” the senior said.

According to Britney, when her mom found out about her problem through Britney’s younger sister, she placed Britney in a mental institution for four days.

“My mom just made phone calls to see how I was doing but she didn’t come visit me,” Britney said. “In there, you eat breakfast, take showers, play games, watch TV and go outside but you’re under supervision. I felt real depressed because I wasn’t around people (my friends).”



In the mental institution, Britney said she met a boy she liked and cheated on her school boyfriend. She confessed the truth to her boyfriend and had to break up with him.

“My boyfriend told me that he hated me; he said he never wanted to talk to me again or anything,” explained Britney.” It upset me some more so I cut myself in the leg five times and ended up in the mental institution again - this time for five days.”



Back in the institution, Britney maintained a romantic relationship with the boy she had met. When she went back to school, her ex-boyfriend wanted another chance. He told her he loved her and that if she did not go back with him, he was going to kill himself.

“I felt trapped,” Britney said.

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Britney said she ran away from home once and stayed at a friend’s house. The second time, she walked to a stop sign, and went back home. This put a strain on her relationship with her mother, she said.

“We fight constantly about little things that turn to big things,” Britney said. “My mom doesn’t trust me. She said needs to know what I’m doing all the time.”

According to eMedicineHealth.com, loss of interest in usual activities, significant weight loss or gain, irritability, fatigue/loss of energy, excessive guilt or thoughts of suicide are symptoms of depression.

Although Britney has about 75 cuts that she made on her wrists, arms, legs and ankle, she says she does not like cutting herself because it is not good.

“I regret it because now, I have to live with these scars for the rest of my life,” Britney said. “What I want to do is buy medicine to make them go away because they’re pretty bad. I don’t want them to show in my wedding dress in the future.”

Britney utilizes rubber bands to cut herself -she pulls on it until she bleeds. She also uses razor blades, knives, thumb tacks and pencil tips to make the numerous scars she has.

“I can easily cut myself in my room,” Britney said. “I just lock the door and get paper towels for the blood. I can also do it in school when no one is watching with students in the classroom.”

The deep scars on Britney’s body have affected her appearance and her self-esteem. With gloves she cuts out of socks, she tries to cover up the scars on her arms but not the ones on her legs.

“I don’t like wearing tank tops and I can’t wear shorts,” Britney said. “I’m scared people are going to look at me different. I don’t like myself anymore because of the scars.”

Now, almost a month later, Britney said she takes three pills a day- two Zoloft pills and one Abilify. Every Tuesday and once a month, Britney has counseling.

According to eMedicineHealth.com, without treatment, symptoms last longer and may never get better. Instead, they can get worse but with treatment, the chances of recovery are higher.

Additionally, it is recommended for victims to participate in activities, talk with friends and family, discuss your feelings, keep a positive attitude, exercise regularly, get enough rest and avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs to change your lifestyle and avoid depression.