what do u think about cutting,if it is not done to kill ones self,but just to relieve stress and other things?

Question

i am seventeen, and i used to cut all over my arms for about 2 years, starting when i was around 14ish. and a few times i had donw it to try and kill myself.
i had stopped for awhile, and now i just do it on my thighs, and i don't do it very deep, and i don't do it every day, like i used to. is this okay, as long as i don't go too deep, or have anyone see it (so i don't worry them)?
what's your opinion?
no one knows that i do it, so it's not like i am causing anyone any trouble....

i was admitted to a psych ward when i was 15.......

Answer 1

I have two friends who have experienced cutting. One currently does it and the other actually stopped after being hospitalized in a mental facility for it and some other things. The only thing I can say as a friend watching two special people in my life go through it, it pains me that there is nothing I can do or say to help them ease their pain and to watch them and know that they are cutting themselves to ease that painful feeling tears me apart.

I pray all of the time that the one who has stopped never picks it back up and the one who is currently doing it will stop. I just make myself available to them when they need to talk because I want to help them in any way that I can. I love them both so very much.

Answer 2

I am a 19 year old girl. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I self harm with cutting. I can relate to what your saying. I use to do it every day, and sometimes pretty deep. I have been put on heavy anti's and now only do it when I am super stressed. For those who say its stupid, or to just STOP dont really understand. To just STOP is like a smoker quitting, and a drug addict quitting. SELF HARMING to is addictive. I think you would know your boundaries, and when you should seek help. IF you dont do this to kill yourself! When your thoughts get low enough you want to kill yourself that is when you should seek help. People try to put you off by telling you of the scars, but realisticly these people need to think harder and really dont understand, as if you care about self image as a way to get you to stop, that's the last thing on your mind! The smaller of your problems. Maybe in 10 years you might regret it, but you can deal with that when it comes up. There is surgery for that these days,,, and creams. Dont be thinking no one cares about you. Just make sure if you keep doing this do it safely and cleanly, and ALWAYS seek help before doing real damage! Someone will always love you! I know what you are going through! ! ! xox

Answer 3

Even though you are not trying to kill yourself, this is still self-destructive behavior. You may also end up accidentally cutting something important, which may endanger your life.

It's great that you don't want to worry anyone and you seem to be conscientious. From what I understand, cutting behavior is a compulsion--and when you give in to that compulsion, you relieve stress. Really, you should seek out counseling for this. There are alternate things you can do that are much more healthy and adaptive to relieve stress.

Again, I think it is very good that you don't want to hurt or worry anyone, but this really isn't a healthy habit at all.

Answer 4

I think that it's not a good idea; but it's not the end of the world if you do it.

Basically, cutting is a way of regulating emotions. You feel emotional pain, or emptiness, or you're dissociating (a weird floaty feeling); and instead of feeling those things, you replace them with physical pain or the sight of blood, either one of which immediately focuses your attention on it--and away from the emotions you're trying to handle.

It works, or else you wouldn't do it. But it isn't the best thing for the purpose:

Cutting is socially unacceptable. It grosses people out, or makes them really worried about you.

It's not a permanent solution. Whatever made you feel bad enough to cut in the first place is still there after you're done--so you might be tempted to cut instead of dealing with problems.

You end up with scars which you have to cover up.

There can be minor medical problems which result in your needing a doctor's care--an infected cut or one where your hand slipped and you had to get stitches. Any of these can land you in the mental ward for a week; and that's about the most boring place in the universe to be in. (But if you need medical care, get it. If you act very rational and calm, they won't admit you against your will.)

Basically, you're cutting instead of dealing with whatever you need to deal with... Once you find out how to cope, you won't need to cut anymore. My advice is to get out there and find a way to cope, whatever it is--whether it involves counseling or physical activity or an artistic/creative pastime or just hanging out with friends more. I'm not sure whether you're depressed; but if you are (and it's a common reason for cutting), you want to get help for it. Depression makes you feel tired and dull all the time; and that's no way to live.

Anyway, don't freak out about cutting--it's not like you're crazy or anything. But there are better ways, and you'll be better off finding them. Emotions left unresolved can end you up with a whole host of problems... cutting just delays having to deal with it.

Answer 5

This is the result of a deep-seated belief in not being good enough, of guilt finding pain as punishment. Be careful in finding good therapeutic help, there's a lot of shite therapy out there.

Answer 6

I'm 17 to, started self harming at 10, and started cutting at 11.

I think....that as long as you are aware of what your doing, and not, say, cutting down into muscle and going "oh, it's little wimpy scratch, whatever." then....do what you need to do to be ok.

Answer 7

you sound like a wonderful girl if i was next to you i would give you the biggest hug you have ever had please dont hurt yourself because it hurts me when other people hurt.loving people removes stress.caring for people helps. you are the only one in the world that is you.there is no one exactly like you.close your eyes and ask Jesus to come inside of you and than you will truly find out how much you are loved,sweetie i will pray for you right now

Answer 8

i am 17 and have been cutting since about 12ish. been admitted into the hospital 1,kept me for a week, and i still do it. only on my thighs,because its not noticeable. i started out doing it only on my hands. ive tried to quit buts its all i think about is when im going to cut myself next. hope that answers your questions..email me if you ever wanna talk.-lani

Answer 9

You need to speak to a counselor. Seek out counseling to help you feel better.

Answer 10

I know what ur talking about. It might not kill u physically but emotionally ur killing ur self. It's not okay. U need help.