Does anybody else do this?

Question

I used to cut myself with a knife, but it hurt to much so I started using small, sharp, pokey things like needles and tacks. Its really messing my skin up and I really need to stop. Its just really hard. :(

Answer 1

First of all, you are not the only one who has felt like this.

Physical pain creates a distraction from what is really hurting you. Obviously, you are very stressed but you don't have to stay that way. You are dealing with some obsessive (thinking) and compulsive (behaving) issues in addition to probably some anxiety and depression. Instead of drinking or drugs or other forms of escape (or maybe in addition to these) you have somehow come up with the idea or knowledge that self harm will calm and make you feel better. Unfortunately, this only lasts a little while and it doesn't solve the real problem.

Please go see a professional counselor and perhaps doctor who can help you. The long term consequences may be significant if you don't. Just know that you are not alone and others have come before you who have successfully dealt with these feelings and behaviors and have overcome them.

Good luck, my friend.

Answer 2

My ex-girlfriend told me that she used to do this back before we dated. It is very often related to emotional pain and stress, and "cutting" is a way some people relieve it. Like you said, though, it's a bad habit that you should work to stop.

Although this might be a little hard, let your parents and immediate family know about it. Having a little support and someone around to say, "Now, don't do that..." when you get the urge goes a REALLY long way toward stopping nervous habits. Also, get up and leave your room if the urging gets bad enough. Do whatever it takes to get your mind off of it, even if that means adopting a different (but less dangerous) nervous habit as a "one step at a time" method.

Anyway, I've been in similar shoes. I had a chronic hand-washing thing going on that really scarred up my hands in the winter time. Thankfully, I've since managed to get mostly under control. Here's hoping that you can do the same! :)

Answer 3

Yeah I used to use pins, razors, get a stick red hot and put it on my skin all kinds of things when I was a teenager. I grew out of it, but some people can't do it as easy. I suppose it all matters on why you're being self destructive. Talk to someone about this now. There's people who understand what you're going through and can help. Don't despair because people don't get it. It was nothing to me then, but I'm 31 now and you can still see my scars all over my arms- even faded it's still bad.

Answer 4

I so know what you are talking about. But I used knives, & glass. I do know it is hard. But not impossible. I haven't done it since I was 15, or 16(about 7 yrs ago). I just got my life right with God, & he took the urge away. He really straightened my life out!

Answer 5

Like any other nasty habit, you need to devise a plan, and figure out a way to quit.
Speak with a doctor, and see what they have to say.
If you have a close, trustworthy friend, explain your situation to them, and use them as a support person.
Self-mutilating is not good. Good luck!

Answer 6

Its a form of self-mutilation and no, it isnt particularly heatlthy. Not only because it can be harmful by way of the germs that you could pick up.. Im thinking tetanus, at the worst.

Answer 7

why don,t you go poke needles into a pin cushion and tacks on tack board.

Answer 8

thats not good, your going to have a hell of a lotta scars later on in life, which are good stories to tell, if you got them somewhere else

Answer 9

i used to do that, but i have successfully stopped. these websites may help.

Answer 10

wow...n i thought i was messed up. talk to a counsler