Last year I started cutting myself, but after a few months I stopped. This year, whenever something little happens to me, like I get in a fight with my sister, I cut myself again. Recently I got some new friends who made me feel really happy and I haven't cut myself since I met them, but I know that I'm probably going to. I think I'm depressed and I don't know what to do.
Renae

Although this might sound strange, the fact that you are aware of how you're feeling and what this might do to you is one of your strengths. You've described cutting yourself as a response to certain emotions like stress, sadness, depression and anxiety, and also realise that while you've been feeling happy with new friends you haven't had the urge to self-harm. Knowing that this response is frightening and potentially harmful is also an important aspect of overcoming the problem. Self-harming behaviours like cutting can be due to many factors, including depression, but also a reaction to past trauma, or circumstances which feel beyond your control where you feel there's no other way out.

The most effective way to help yourself, once you've decided it is a problem and you want to do something about it, is actually some counselling. It's also important to get checked out for depression. Counselling often sounds a bit scary at first because you might feel you have to talk about personal things, but once you find a counsellor you like and trust, you will find it pretty easy to open up. Of course, you might like to start by telling an adult you already know, such as a parent or friend. If you want to start anonymously, you can go to Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800 or www.reachout.com.au.