Is snapping rubber bands on my wrist a form of cutting of self mutilation?

Question

I asked a question last week about how to magage stress and pain and one person told me to put a rubber band on and snap it. I have been doing this for a week now. Is this a good idea or a very bad one? Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

I wouldnt think it was a form of cutting, just a form of pain. Damn, that has got to hurt!A person told you to do this and you did?????Why???That is no way to handle stress or pain. It just adds it if you ask me. I would like to meet up with the person that told you or sorry, suggested you do this.How old are you sweetie???Go to a friend or mom or somebody you trust. You can e-mail me if you need somebody, anytime, [e-mail] I will be praying for you.

Answer 2

To manage pain and stress the body needs to be relieved of the symptoms. By doing so you need to exercise, have sex, run, walk,-actually anything that exhausts the body. By snapping the rubber band, you are only creating a habit! Which has nothing to do with cutting by the way. But snap it hard enough, and it will cause pain! Crying, talking, and writing might help get out what truly is causing you these feeling. Good luck!!!

Answer 3

Well, you're basically dealiing with your pain in the same way you have been, because you're taking it out on yourself physically. But, a rubber band is less likely to cause permanent damage than a sharp object, and in that sense it's definitely a better idea than cutting.

I've tried to use rubber bands a lot when I was very upset, but I'll warn you that I've gotten crazy enough with them to leave marks and bruises, so I could definitely consider that a form of self-injury.

But, maybe you could use it as a temporary substitute for the cutting, until you can find something less violent, such as writing your feelings out, going for a walk, or maybe even using lotion in the place you wanted to cut. I highly recommend the lotion; it gives a physical sensation, but it's a soothing nurturing one. You're reminding yourself you need pampered, in a way.

I hope some of this helps. And best wishes on getting this under control. I know from experience it's not easy.

Answer 4

Probably it stems from a similar impulse. You don't run the risk of scars and infection, thats a plus. If it helps you manage stress, I suppose there's no harm in it. However you are only temporarily relieving the stress, not adressing what the root causes are. Until you do so, inflicting pain on yourself will probably prove futile.

Those who practice self mutilation typically exibit classic patterns of addictive behavior. Here's why. In response to any Injury, the brain naturally releases adrenaline, endorphins, to a lesser extent, dopamine, and many other "neurotransmitters." This is a classic "fight or flight" response. It helps temporarily insulate the brain against further pain or injuries that could be a distraction. Especially in a potentially dangerous situation.

During this time, those who have deliberately Injured themselves may feel less stress, less pain, and feel as if they are more in control of their lives. but this is short lived, (the body is usually quick to remind the brain that something needs attention.) Self mutilaters may become addicted to this realese of endorphins, especially if they feel they need to do so in order to function.

Probably a better way to deal with stress is simply to excersise. This produces a similar release of brain chemicals, and of course is much better for the body.

If you feel as if you need that release in order to deal with your stress,you may want to talk to a counselor, as they could help you deal with some of the causes of your stress, permanently. Instead of just a temporary fix.

Whatever you decide to do, Good Luck!
~Donkey Hotei

Answer 5

Actually if you snap it hard enough it can make you bleed so it is very similar to cutting. Causing self pain even without drawing blood is a sign that you might need to find someone to talk to, seek help with managing stress and problems within your life. I have been there and I have taken stress management classes and it is always better to find someone to talk to and get help than slicing away at yourself or snapping rubberbands... but thats just my point of view

Answer 6

I used rubber bands to help myself stop cussing so much, and it did work, but I don't know if it would be a good idea to use it to manage stress, I would think that if you were to monitor your stress levels you would probably find that it spikes after snapping yourself. Although if you are trying to condition yourself against pain I guess it would work.

Answer 7

It's OK to do that but I would suggest doing something less painful to help manage stress like taking a hot bath or taking a nap.

Answer 8

I think exercise or volunteer service is a better way of managing stress and pain.

Answer 9

It's been said that doing that is a way to stave cutters off of cutting themselves. They still get that tiny bit of pain, but no lasting scars.

Answer 10

You shouldn't manage pain by inflicting more pain. That is a habit you should certainly keep away from.