Is the whole thing with girls cutting themselves a new phenomenon?

Question

I am 55 and only started hearing about it recently. Is it new or were we just naive back in the day?

Answer 1

While it's true that this type of self harm has been going on for years, I think there is also evidence that it is on the rise. At one point it was probably viewed as merely a bid for attention, but individuals who cut often report that it provides an emotional relief - the pain experienced on the inside is brought to the outside, perhaps. It is also true that mental health symptoms go in and out of "fashion." Back in the late 1800s it was not uncommon for (mostly women) to experience something Charcot called "glove anesthesia" - paralysis of the hand that did not make any anatomical sense. Don't see that too much anymore.

Answer 2

Cutting has been going on for years, seriously ages. But it is becoming less of a taboo subject, people are more open about it now... But I feel it is becoming increasingly popular, with the new 'Emo' phenomenon, you are now considered emo if you cut, and some people want a tag name therefore they cut... So I don't think you were naive as it was less common and less spoken about than now. (By the way, it is not only females who cut, it is just more common for females)

Answer 3

This symptom has a very long history. It's just that recently the media has picked it up as one of the current symptoms of interest. Its frequency does seem to be on the rise probably in part due to its recent notoriety. People who cut usually do so as a way to change the state of mind they're in. Often they are sad or angry and cannot tolerate that feeling. Cutting changes their mood. Someone who cuts needs professional help and support from those close to them.

Answer 4

This has been happening alot, since long ago. Bot only girls. but I think most are. There are a number of reasons they do it though.
1. they have something they want to forget, and cutting themselves, makes them forgot,
2. They are lonely and want to get attention.
3. They are really depressed and they thought that if they cut themselves and they get unconcious, it will work.

Answer 5

No, it's not new but it does seem that it is becomming more popular to bored affluent teens than it used to be. I know at least 4 girls that do it to get attention and have hijacked the reasons from someone that is truely ill and does it due to that reason.
Sad.
Not that all people who do this are frauds mind you! Mental illness is a disease, but some people choose to fake it well.

Answer 6

News to me too.