does anyone know anything about self mutilation?

Question

I'm 16 and a few years ago I started cutting my ankles. Small cuts. Let me first state that, no I'm not suicidal I am very much happy to be living, and no I am not a masochist, I hate the idea of pain and this almost made me stop doing it.
sometimes i just do it cause i'm so angry or frustrated angry that it's like since I had no one to take it out on I take it out on myself. or like i just feel so bad and awful that i need something to show for, like how can everything be just the same when this or that etc has just happened and I feel so so horrible.
and realizing these two reasons answers some of the questions i've had built up. but i just wondered if there is some kind of medical/mental term for this type of thing, because it's just that I can't imagine i'm the first to feel and do like this so...
and furthermore, i used to just cut for no reason, but just because well, it was like the same instincts that make you draw on your self... kind of artish. but uh, very odd, i say

Answer 1

Carmin, self-mutilation and cutting is known as "psychogenic excoriation." Cutting is an Impulse Control Disorder, and with the high-rate of teenagers cutting themselves, the mental health community has taken an strong interest in treatment. I think it would be in your best interest to seek professional help. You mentioend that you do not want to cut anymore and you feel "horrible' for doing it. Well, acknowledging you have a problem will help you take that first step towards treatment.

Answer 2

A&E did a whole show on this subject. They are called Cutters. You are at an age where your not a child, but in the eyes of society not an adult. Peer pressure, home life, lots of reasons to not have it together at 16. But cutting yourself, when your older and see the scars you'll have, you will be dissapointed that you did that instead of dealing with things that happened. In teenage land there are the friends issues, boyfriend issues, school stuff, all the things that go along with that. Are you a loner? Or not good with people or lack of confidence? Can you get a part time after school job so you could earn some money, get out of your room and routines, and meet some new people, and a paycheck feels good let me tell ya'. It'll build your self esteam up, and there are fast food places that are always hiring. Money is money! Break your normal routine! Go out and enjoy being 16! You got adult hood to look forward to and will enter it in a better way than harming yourself. Your future husband, and possible daughter will be glad you did!! best of luck sincerely

Answer 3

Self Mutilation is something that does happen to some people. Maybe you should find someone to talk to. Hurting yourself will not get anything accomplished except perhaps causing more pain physically and emotionally from peers. Talk to your school counselor or your youth pastor..someone you trust. It is not healthy to take out aggression on yourself. It is good to write down what makes you angry and then make another table on ways to correct the problem. I remember when I was 16 and there were many things that were hard for me to tackle myself. I wish that I had learned to ask for help earlier. Maybe I would be better off. I have learned that life may not be fair but I now have a close network of friends who I can talk to when I have a problem and vice a versa.

Answer 4

Why Do People Cut Themselves?
It can be hard to understand why people cut themselves on purpose. Cutting is what experts call an unhealthy coping mechanism. This means that the people who do it have not developed healthy ways of dealing with strong emotions, intense pressure, or upsetting relationship problems. Cutting may be an attempt to relieve that extreme tension. It's a confused way of feeling in control. That's one of the reasons why younger teens are more likely to cut. People who cut or self-injure sometimes have other mental health problems that contribute to their emotional tension. Cutting is sometimes (but not always) associated with depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obsessive thinking, or compulsive behaviors. It can also be a sign of mental health problems that cause people to have trouble controlling their impulses or to take unnecessary risks. Some people who cut themselves have problems with drug or alcohol abuse. Getting Help
There are better ways to deal with troubles than cutting - healthier, long-lasting ways that don't leave a person with emotional and physical scars. The first step is to get help with the troubles that led to the cutting in the first place. Here are some ideas for doing that:

1. Tell someone. People who have stopped cutting often say the first step is the hardest - admitting to or talking about cutting. But they also say that after they open up about it, they often feel a great sense of relief. Choose someone you trust to talk to at first (a parent, school counselor, teacher, coach, doctor, or nurse). If it's too difficult to bring up the topic in person, write a note.

2. Identify the trouble that's triggering the cutting. Cutting is a way of reacting to emotional tension or pain. Try to figure out what feelings or situations are causing you to cut. Is it anger? Pressure to be perfect? Relationship trouble? A painful loss or trauma? Mean criticism or mistreatment? Identify the trouble you're having, then tell someone about it. Many people have trouble figuring this part out on their own. This is where a mental health professional can be helpful.

3. Ask for help. Tell someone that you want help dealing with your troubles and the cutting. If the person you ask doesn't help you get the assistance you need, ask someone else. Sometimes adults try to downplay the problems teens have or think they're just a phase. If you get the feeling this is happening to you, find another adult (such as a school counselor or nurse) who can make your case for you.

4. Work on it. Most people with deep emotional pain or distress need to work with a counselor or mental health professional to sort through strong feelings, heal past hurts, and to learn better ways to cope with life's stresses. One way to find a therapist or counselor is to ask at your doctor's office, at school, or at a mental health clinic in your community.

Although cutting can be a difficult pattern to break, it is possible. Getting professional help to overcome the problem doesn't mean that a person is weak or crazy. Therapists and counselors are trained to help people discover inner strengths that help them heal. These inner strengths can then be used to cope with life's other problems in a healthy way.

Answer 5

well i know alot about self mutilation i used to do it myself except it was on my arms i know how u feel and trust me there are alot of other boys and girls who do it themselves the reasons behind cutting yourself can stem from various reasons if you were ever abused sexually or physically also mental abuse can trigger the cutting i know you feel a sense of release all that anger and frustration just disappear when you cut yourself but afterwards you still have the pain to deal with at least i did after i cut when i got into the shower it stung and hurt but you have to find another way to let out all your emotions i started writing poetry and singing in the choir find something that you enjoy a great deal to help you through your rough times try to find someone to talk to you don't have to say anything about the cutting just talk to them about what is on your mind i know it's hard to deal with all the stress this world can give us but God never gives us anything that we can't handle if it comes down to it find a therapist to talk to it's strickly confidential it will take some time to stop cutting it doesn't happen overnight but you have to try not to do it when you have that feeling and thought to slice yourself be strong and fight the temptation that is how you will get through it i started cutting when i was 13 and didn't stop til i was 17 and it was because my mom abused me physically for along time now i am about to 28 and have learned to deal with my feelings and expressing myself in different ways believe me there are still sometimes i just want to cut but i don't i hope that i have been able to help you and hope that you can stop cutting yourself if you ever need to talk just e-mail me ok [e-mail]
sincerely,
Kristan

Answer 6

You are not the first person to do that. I have cut myself (small cuts) but more often, I would hurt myself in other ways...like punching my thigh really hard or punching a wall. It is not healthy to hurt yourself. You really should talk to a counselor or therapist about it. There are better ways to deal with anger and frustration (I'm still not sure what they are, but I think they do exist). Good luck and stop cutting!!

Answer 7

It has to do with having control of your life. You may feel that you don't have control over your life or over your pain. This behavior gives you control, it is something you can control.

I really suggest that you replace this behavior with one you find not as distressing or "crazy" (I hate that word - I mean, unacceptable to others).

At 16, this can be a distressing time in a person's life when you have to make the jump in few years to the world of college or jobs and make decisions that will effect you for the rest of your life. It can be extremely distressing to think about.

My friend's daughter did this when she was your age. The message her caring father gave her was, "Control yourself before someone takes control for you."

Best of luck my dear. Don;t be too eager to label yourself, just do what you can to get help and try replacing that behavior with something more positive you can control. Okay? Best of luck.

Answer 8

I've done that too, but you shouldn't do it as a frustration relief, it's not mentally healthy.

Oddly enough scarring is becoming a popular replacement for tattoos. Heard about it on the news. You shouldn't be cutting, but if you continue, watch where you cut on yourself, especially your ankle.

I'm not condoning or critiscizing, just informing because you asked but go here:

http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2005-02-15/schapiro-scars

Answer 9

the way She Feels- between the timber upward thrust Above This-Seether The final Kiss- AFI area of Me- Linkin Park Breaking the habit- Linkin Park Scars- Papa Roach mattress of Razor- toddlers of Bodom Adam's song- Blink 182 Animal I even have become- 3 Days Grace soreness- 3 Days Grace Tourniquet- Evanescence ~inspire, an ex- harmer

Answer 10

yes i know alot about SI

when you cut yourself its releasing a feel good chemical called endorphins

umm, i dont really know what else to answer for? you didnt give a very good question. If you want you can Email me some direct questions, as I used to cut myself as well.

[e-mail]

Email^^

oh and I also know that you can get yourself professionally cut, its called "scarification" but thats mostly for people who have darker skin (tattoos dont show up well, so they make it a scar)