I cut my arms..... SOMETIMES...is that still classed as self-harm?

Question

I don't cut everyday. I cut myself on average once or twice a week. Sometimes i want to cut, but don't allow myself to. With me not cutting so often is it still classed as self-harm? Or is just something-or-nothing not worth bothering about?

Answer 1

To agree with everyone else, yes it is definately self harm. I myself did it for a very long time without telling anyone else about it. I would cut, burn, anything to stop this feeling of self loathing and depression. Finally one day my sister noticed this huge gash on my fore-arm when we were jumping on the trampoline. (my long sleeve shirt had risen a little while i was in the air) At first i denied it. It was nothing. I said i had accidentally rubbed my arm on a sharp part of my bed. But they saw through my lie. My mom immediately set me up with the councilor that i now have. I still struggle but she has helped me through so much. The worst part about my self harm is the scars from it. How do you explain to the world let alone your four and five year old counsins where all the scars on my arms come from? You can't. They are permenant. So please seek help. and if you can't seem to quit then may i suggest instead of a razor or a knife, try markers or red pens. It was suggested to me and believe it or not it kind of helped.

Answer 2

I have a friend that cuts, sometimes less than once a month. And, yes, even that is still self-harm.
She cuts when she *says* she feels she has lost all control, and has a breakdown. In her situation, it's even worse that she does it less often...because for her it seems to build up, she doesn't know how to release the distress any other way, and her injuries are getting worse and worse.

In other words, how often you do it in no way determines how sound emotionally you are, or even what kind of a danger you are to yourself. The worst cut I ever gave myself happened in less than two seconds, it wouldn't matter if I'd been in the habit doing it once a year or twice a day. It's not about frequency so much...it's the fact that you're doing it at all that makes you a self-injurer. Please don't underestimate how serious this is in your life, and try to figure out why you're doing it.

Answer 3

If you cut yourself imn anyway or place purposely it is still classed as self harm no matter how often you do it. Seek prefesionl help or talk about what ios bothering you to someone you trust. I also cut not everyday but whenever I cant cope with something wich is about 3-4 times a week

Answer 4

Oh yes! Definately self harm.
The question is, "Why do you cut yourself"?
Self harm is an outward sign of depression, a close friend (female) went through this. With her it wqas a cry for help - she had to make a life changing decission and couldn't summon up the courage to do it. She believed everyone would be against her. Any form of depression can lead to self harm, like yours. You need to dig deep into your life and face the thing that makes you cut. Cure that and you stop cutting.
In my friends case she believed that if she hurt herself then the powers that controlled her life wouldn't.

If you don't stop it then it will get worse and you will be scarred for life

Answer 5

One cutter said she does it because it's easier to deal with the physical pain than emotional pain (??) If you’re a teen, remember that the teen years are the absolute worst time of your life. I'm surprised any of us survive it. You are struggling with so much stress, pressures, changes... Your body and mind are trying to cope but ... it's hard, dealing with unpredictable hormones and roller coaster emotions. The brain is a very complicated and delicate thing. It can get messed up and be unable to produce any or enough serotonin. This is called a chemical imbalance which is easily treated, very common and nothing to be ashamed of. It can cause depression, anxiety, panic, obsession, self harm/self hatred, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, sleeping problems, aggression/rage, anger, phobias, fears, helplessness/hopelessness, hypochondria, ADHD, paranoia, OCD, headaches, lack of interest in things, lack of motivation/ focus and much more. Ask a dr. for anti-depressants. Sertraline is a good one; most people thrive on it and it has no side effects. With antidepressants, you will be much better, happier, calmer, confident, safer and feel normal. What a difference it makes! Therapists are mostly a waste of time and money. They aren’t even allowed to prescribe appropriate meds to help you get better. Don’t stop taking the meds once you start to feel better. You need them, so stay on them. But meds can do only so much. God is the ONLY one who knows what you’re thinking, how you’ve struggled and what you’re going thru. He loves you passionately and wants to be your BFF. He has a super-deluxe custom-made plan for your life that’s beyond anything you ever dreamed of. BUT He waits for us to ask. Invite Him into your heart; ask Him to take over your life and your problems. Find a big, happy church, attend some groups and have fun. Talk with the pastor or youth pastor; he probably deals with this a lot and will have some good ideas. God loves you more than you can possibly imagine!! :)

Answer 6

Unfortunately, yes it IS still classed as self-harm. It's the act that you do, not how often you do it that determines what it is. Anything you do to yourself, that causes pain, injury or can harm your body is self-harm whether you do it once an hour, once a day or once a year.

Answer 7

It's definitely classified as a form of self harm. You need to find some kind of help plus there is medication that can help, too.

Do you have an idea of why you do it? Sadly, I've seen this all to many times so that's why someday very soon I'm going have my own web site geared for just young people whom need someone to talk to, get info to programs within your city, receive some tlc and some kind words.

Answer 8

This is definately self harm - and I would advise that you seek help from a professional such as your doctor. It is definately worth bothering about - self harm is a sign of a deeper issue and can escalate. There are groups that you could attend to seek help also. Good luck - take care of yourself.

Answer 9

It is definitely considered self harm. This type of cutting can quickly escalate into worse forms of self harm. You should consider trying to get some help with this problem.

Answer 10

Yes; this is definately classed as self harm. You need to get some help very soon - and unfortunately, this forum won't be a massive help. Start with your GP and work your way up from there - but get help.