What exactly is "cutting?" Can meds. and/or therapy help?

Question

It started off as picking. I'd find a blemish even the tiniest little pimple and I'd pick it until it was a huge sore. Now, if I find a little ingrown hair or blackhead, I cut it with a razor or scissors until it bleeds really bad. I've gotten infections from this that have actually been serious but even though I think the Drs. suspect it, they never say anything about it. I cut because I think there is something on or in my skin that isn't there and because I get some sort of "release" from it. I read this behavior is related to drug addiction but I haven't touched drugs in years. I am really preety but I"m leaving some not so preety scars, what can I do? And it's not so easy just to tell myself to stop! Could it also be body dysmorphic disorder? Also, I'm an adult not a teen. I never did this as a teen. I do have severe anxiety and depression and take Xanax.

Answer 1

I think people like pain for various reasons. I've been known to like a nice hard spanking or "beating" from my male partners. It's a release of sorts and I definitely feel very relaxed after.

I've never done drugs and I don't feel I need to be punished for anything I've done in the past. But, I do know that when your body is in a state of pain it releases endorphins and adrenaline and other drugs. These are a "drug" produced by your body to help mask the pain a bit and can give you a bit of a high.

I think the difference is that you are drawing blood and creating scars where my habits don't cause that.

One other thing I do that releases these same endorphins are going to the gym, jogging, hiking and lifting weights. So, if you want an alternative, those might be some to consider.

And i'm sure therapy could help. It sounds like you have a little disorder mixed in with yours where you have this illusion that there is something dirty or disgusting under you skin.

Answer 2

I'm not in any way a psychologist, but it sounds like an obsessive/compulsive kind of thing to me. Cutting is something people do when they feel they can't control anything, and having the power to inflict their own pain provides some satisfaction to them. I used to pick at my blemishes a lot too, and I have some acne scars to show for it. They way I got over it was to start using an anti-acne medication (I've been using Proactiv for years now) and to limit my time in front of the mirror. Find your favorite picture of yourself that really looks beautiful and tape it up on your bathroom mirror, and next to it tape a sign that says "I'm beautiful." This will remind you that you don't need to cut at your blackheads. You're the only one who notices them anyway.

Answer 3

People cut for many different reasons, and it's linked to many different mental illnesses. I think the best answer is to talk to someone about it, if you can't afford therapy, there are several good voluntary organistaions around.