I scratch my arms and face up when I get emotional--how can I stop?

Question

And have any of you ever heard of this? It makes me feel like a freak. I've been having a lot of fights with my boyfriend and parents lately, and every time we start yelling at each other I go ballistic and claw at my arms, but mostly my face. I draw blood. It scares me and everyone else, but I can't help it. It's like I HAVE to do it. I've heard of people cutting themselves, but not this. How can I stop?

Answer 1

Its a form of self harm called scrathing. Some people do it on their face just like you. Your not alone, your not an outcast or anything. Try talking to someone. If you think it's serious enough talk to your doctor. he/she can recommend a phyciatrist. Clip your nails very short (but not too short) that might help a little in the meantime.

Answer 2

I used to bite into my arm when I fought with my mother or sister - but those days are gone. I'm fine now. I've learned how to argue adequately
You get aggressive when people yell at you and you do not want to hurt them - that is why you turn the physical aggression against yourself. You probably feel helpless in aggressive situations. You don't know how to defend yourself. People make you feel powerless - you want it to stop or them to listen to you - you feel desperate - feel like they don't do you justice. You think once you'd let go worse things would happen - you desperately try to restrain yourself.
If you kind of feel like that:
You're not a freak - even when people hurt you (verbally) you try to protect them. This is not exactly the same as cutting yourself but both symptoms share the relief you get when you do so. You need more self conscience and people need to know that they should listen to your arguments and not shout at you.
Anyway - best thing is to see a psychologist and find out what really is the matter and what can be done. In this case a family or partner therapy might come into question - there definetly is a communication problem. But first you should do something for yourself - someone has to tell you that you're too worthy to hurt yourself. Please see a doctor/psychologist/psychiatrist. And yes I agree - for now: cut your fingernails!
I used to bite into my arm when I fought with my mother or sister - but those days are gone. I'm fine now. I've learned how to argue adequately.

Answer 3

Ok well thats a hard question you probably have turrets syndrome. I'm not sure or it's probably that you don't want to hurt anyone so you just wanna take it out on your self I use to do that too.But if you ever need to talk to someone my e-mail address is [e-mail]
And I think you should seak counseling.It's probably because your like holding so much pain and sorrow inside thats just causing you to go bolistic I guess you just need to open up to someone.You know will write me any time.I wish will...............