I used to think cutting was a fad.

I thought teens who labeled themselves “Emo” cut themselves for attention. When I heard anyone talking about cutting, I was automatically annoyed. I could not understand why someone wanted to mutilate his or her own body.

Everything about self-injury was a mystery to me until I started cutting myself.

I don’t remember why I cut the first time. It was less than a year ago when I took razor blades from my bathroom and put gashes on my arms. I started a routine I thought was a one-time occasion. Unfortunately, it wasn’t an easy habit to break.

Every time I was upset, I turned to the bathroom to look for a razor. At that time, it did not seem like anyone wanted to hear my problems. I thought my troubles were better unseen and unheard.

There has never been a time in my life when I was so low.

Fortunately, I realized I had a problem and received help.

I share this story with one intention. I want those who suffer from depression and problems that result from depression to know one thing: They are not alone.

There are 17 million Americans who suffer from depression problems, according to www.psychiatry.org.

Even though nearly one in 10 Americans has depression problems, it is easy to feel as though no one else is hurting.

American society is built around projecting an image of perfection. Those who show weakness are usually ridiculed or treated as outcasts. It seems like Americans rejoice in their brother’s sorrow and don’t care to lift up the weak.

With a culture like this, it is no surprise that two-thirds of people with depression in America choose not to get help.

Instead of getting help, people turn to unhealthy habits to make themselves feel better. These habits could include cutting, alcoholism, anorexia or sex addiction. If a person turns from depression for an equally damaging practice, that person should seek help.

I realized that I could not address my problems and was taking my frustration out on myself through physical abuse. I’ve talked to many friends who have had similar thoughts of hurting themselves because they didn’t know what else to do.

It is time for people to become more vocal about their weaknesses and society to stop expecting everyone to be so perfect.

I admire groups who want to give people an outlet for their inner turmoil.

A specific organization caught my eye because of its activism with preventing cutting.

To Write Love on Her Arms is an organization whose purpose is to raise awareness about self-mutilation and to help prevent suicide in teens. The group is supported by many underground bands and sells merchandise online to support their cause. For more information on To Write Love on Her Arms, visit www.twloha.com.

The shirts contain messages such as “stop the bleeding” and “rescue.”

Hopefully, someone who cuts or is thinking about cutting will be saved by their powerful message.

I am proud to say I am a recovering cutter because it means I admitted I had a problem and did something about it. There is never shame in weakness. It takes a lot more strength to admit having a problem than to ignore it.

Marchae Grair is a freshman broadcast journalism major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].