Why do people abuse themselves?

Answer 1

I am a recovered cutter. Sometimes it is just easier to deal with the physical hurt, rather than the emotional. It kind of gives a sense of control, in that you are the one hurting yourself, not letting someone else. This happens a lot in people who were abused during childhood. Scientifically, your brain produces certain chemicals that are activated when physically hurt. This in turn relieves emotional pain you may be having. It kind of acts like a drug really. And trust me, it sometimes feels like a drug because you end up craving it.

Answer 2

Well, some people carelessly fall into addictions that they cannot pull out of. Some people try drugs, etc. not realizing they may be genetically predisposed to addictions (e.g, everyone in my family on both sides except me and my mom are alcoholics.) But another reason does have to do with your upbringing. Many people who were raised in very abusive / dysfunctional families were never taught by their parents/caretakers how to soothe themselves when they are upset. When a baby cries, the parent picks it up an soothes it. When a child is upset, the parent says things to bolster his/her self-esteem and also teaches the child to use reason to gain a perspective on life. These are coping strategies passed onto the child via the parents' reassurance and caring. If a child doesn't receive this and is abused or neglected, he/she will have no tools to cope with life's challenges as an adult. For that reason, they actually calm themselves down by hurting themselves either directly (cutting, drugs, eating disorders, etc.) or indirectly (having abusive relationships, etc.) Sometimes therapy can help people to overcome this and learn more constructive coping skills... But it is a long road to travel, for many.

Answer 3

Couple of different reaons, lots of ways to abuse yourself. Generally, if someone was abused or neglected by their family, self-nurturing was never taught and therefore, self-abuse takes over. Keep in mind that hurting yourself can be done in many ways, including picking bad relationships, smoking, using drugs as a coping skill, not seeking help, and having self-destructive ways, etc.

Answer 4

What do you mean abuse themselves?
Like, cutting?
Some people cut because they are extremely depressed, others cut because their friends are doing it. I use to, because I've had a tough life and I don't like to talk about it. I don't anymore.
If you mean abuse themselves by drinking, doing drugs, etc, I don't know. Ask them, I've never done that stuff.

Answer 5

Some people just don't know how to deal with the frustrations in their life so they look for away to find control.

I myself do it with excessive exercise and diet. It's just a way of trying to gain self control in a life where they have little control

Answer 6

They're hurting so much on the inside, but there's no physical reason or response to that. The disparity between how they feel and the condition of their bodies bothers them, so they hurt them selves to eliminate the difference.

Answer 7

they feel the need to let out certain emotions ; guilt, hate, sadness - but in an unhealthy way.
they feel it's the only thing in the life that they control which is usually a reason or symptom of meny eating disorders

Answer 8

To relive stress. They are hurting on the inside and need help.

Answer 9

WELL ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE IN PAIN.LIFE IS HARED PEOPLE DEEL WITH LIFE IN DIFRENT WAYS. HOW THEY COPE,HOW THEY FEEL.IM A CUTTER IVE CUT FOR 7 YEARS AND IM 19..LIFE IS HARED WE ALL COPE WITH IT DIFRENTLY....

Answer 10

Emotional or mental illness.