Probs

Self-Destructive Behavior

I am not an expert on any of these subjects. Just trying to pass along a little information that may be of help to you. I have been involved in these subjects to some degree with my daughters. If you have a problem with any of these, I urge you to get professional help. There are many web sites with information on these subjects, I list a few. Scroll down for web rings on these subjects.

Self-Mutilation

Some people may not know what this is. Most by now should. AKA: Self-injury, Self-harm etc. Self-mutilation is the harming of oneself, usually by cutting. Some forms may be mild---just scratches, but others hurt themselves very badly. Some believe that self-mutilation is about control. Control of the pain or just something they can have control over. I watched a movie called Secret Cutting It is really good, and really helps you to understand this disorder. Here are a few links to check out. Some deal with other things too, so you may have to look around for the area on self-mutilation.

www.cyberinfo.com/selfharm.htm
www.angelfire.com/ak/phantomrose/
www.50megs.com/cdls/mindart/SI/selfinjury.html
Self-Injury: A Struggle
nomorepain.cjb.net

Bulemia/Anorexia

Symptoms of Bulemia:

* Binging and purging - Binging is taking in a lot of food. Purging is eliminating it by vomiting.
* Extreme fear of gaining even a little weight
* Distorted body image - they see themselves as fatter than they are.
* Dry skin and dry brittle hair
* Swollen glands under the jaw from vomiting
* Depression, fear, guilt, and mood swings
* Fatigue and cold sweats

Anorexia is different from bulemia. An anorexic will not eat or eat very little. They will also purge, take diuretics and exercise to the extreme.

Syptoms of Anorexia

* Wearing baggy, heavy clothes to hide thinness
* Loss of menstrual cycle
* Dry cold skin
* Insomnia and hyperactivity
* Distorted body image
* Extreme, escessive and rigid exercise routine
* Extreme fear of gaining any weight
* Strict rules
* Slowed physical and social development

As you will notice both anorexics and bulemics have a distorted body image and a fear of gaining weight. Is this all caused from social/peer pressure? Does our society encourage thiness so much as to be harming our youth? It is hard to say what is the cause of this disorder. Once again a theory is that it is a control issue. This is an area of the girls life that they can control.

I often say "she" when talking about these disorders. Guys can be and are aflicted by these disorders, it is just that my experience has dealt with girls.

Some links that may be of help:

www.healthlinkusa.com/447.html
www.beatbulimia.com/
www.eating-disorders.com/
www.naples.net/social/jft0001.htm
The Doctor's Medical Library

Alcohol/Drug Abuse

Well, everyone should be well aware of these problems. Alcohol and drug abuse are fairly common among teens. It seems they have no problem getting what they want, one way or another.

Symptoms of alcohol/drug abuse:

* Weight changes or unusual eating patterns
* Change in normal sleep patterns
* Frequent minor illnesses
* More frequent complaints of pain or illness
* Red eyes, change in complexion, dilated or constricted pupils, runny nose
* Change in friendships
* Increased physical or emotional isolation from family and friends
* Failing to follow through on promises
* Mood changes

Of course their are many more symptoms, you can smell the alcohol or marijuana. Tracks from needles are another sure sign. Begging, borrowing, or stealing money is another sign that your teen may have a drug problem.

Some links that may help:

www.ncadd.org/
www.counselingpros.bigstep.com/
www.addictions.com/
www.commnet.edu/QVCTC/student/GaryOKeefe/drugfacts.html

Thank you Sassy for these graphics. I feel they are perfect. As people with the disorders listed often wear a mask of happiness when they are actually very sad.

This one works, you can view the other but the add doesn't work, but love the graphic!

You need Java to see this applet.

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