The Straight Edged Secret

Adriana seems to have so much pressure in her life. Grades, getting into a good school, doing well in sports, and keeping up with her community volunteer work. The last thing she wants to do is disappoint her parents and her teachers. A friend tells her how good she'll feel after she 'cuts'. She'll try anything to calm herself down and get some relief. 3f. 2m. Cutting is an attempt to interrupt strong emotions and pressures that seem impossible to tolerate. It can be related to broader emotional issues that need attention. Most of the time, cutting is not a suicide attempt. Cutting affects many teens and preteens - even beyond those who self-injure. Many teens worry about a friend who cuts, or face pressure from peers to try cutting as a daring thing to do. In many cases, cutting - and the emotions that go along with it - is something teens struggle with alone. But because of growing awareness, more teens can get the assistance they need. Cutting among teenagers is on the rise. Under great stress from teachers, peers, and parents to excel, it is one way that they try to get relief. Here is one family's story.