[del677]

Are you depressed? Usually cutting is a sign of serious depression.

Hospitals are for people who can not function at all. They're expensive, so there's a huge incentive to NOT put anyone in the hospital psych ward. Outpatient treatment is greatly preferred.

If your dad found out he would take you to a doctor. A doctor will ask if you are suicidal. If answer is No, he'll offer to prescribe some antidepressant medication for you. Or, If you answer Yes, he'll ask if you've attempted suicide before, if not, he'll give you meds and send you home with a phone number to call if you feel suicidal again. If yes, he'll still send you home if you want to.

The only people who go to the hospital psych ward are people who beg to go there, because they feel so bad they want help, or people who are so far gone they can't function, and have lost touch with reality, and even then there's some strict rules, such as a whole bunch of doctors and nurses have to agree this person is way out of their mind and needs help.

Plus the hospital psych ward is actually a very nice place. Quiet, calm, peaceful, with friendly staff, Well trained, caring. I visit people there all the time.

So all that will happen is you'll be given a prescription and sent home.

Dad's probably the one freaking out right now. He doesn't recognize the marks, so he doesn't know about depression as a medical condition. It would take a lot of explaining and education. He doesn't know what to do. But that's easy. He should take you to a doctor. The doctor should recognise the marks. If not, then ask for a specialist. A psychiatrist doctor specializes in this field and will instantly recognize the marks and offer you some antidepressant medication, and send you home. (Psychiatrists are nice. If ot, ask for one that is.) Then the doctor can explain to your dad. (Or alternatively, he can keep it private from your dad.)

Best wishes. Hope you feel better soon.