Is going back to cutting a bad thing?

Question

I used to cut, but then I stop because my friends found out and were like making my life a living hell. lately i have been wanting to do it again, after not doing it severely [i had a couple mishaps a year 1/2 ago] the other day i got upset and scratched my knuckle with a safety pin. i felt released afterwards, and now i am thinking about just stop fighting the urges and going back to my old ways of cutting. is this a bad way to think? I dont know what to do and am about ready to give up.

OK please, can we stop with the name calling and stuff? I dont want attention, but I want help. And right now I have no one to turn to so I was hoping someone will atleast TRY and help. But if all you are going to do is sit there and say that I am messed up and all this other crap then please, dont answer.

Answer 1

Yes, it is bad to start cutting again. I know that it's hard to stop cutting, and to stay stopped. Cutting is an addiction. Just like a recovering alcoholic who has just one drink, cutting again that once brought back all reasons that you kept cutting in the past. It's a really common phenomenon with drug addiction as well that people can stay clean for months, even years, and then they do it just once more, or even just see something associated with the drug (like a syringe) and either relapse into the old pattern of drug use, or come very close to a relapse.

You already stopped cutting once, so hopefully you already know how destructive it can be. The most obvious thing from what you said is how it effects your relationship with your friends. It also leaves scars, and depending where you cut, hiding the cuts can be quite inconvenient at times. Remember that you stoppped cutting for a reason. No matter how tempting it is to go back, you get all the bad stuff back along with it.

Did you ever get help from a doctor or counselor when you used to cut before? If so, are you still seeing a therapist? If you're currently seeing a therapist, obviously you can talk to them about how you're feeling now about cutting again. But even if you're not seeing them now, if you did talk to a doctor or counselor about it before, could you go back to that person now and talk to them about what's going on? If not, what about your parents? Is there anyone you're comfortable talking to about this? It would probably help a lot if you could talk to someone about it.

I know it's tempting to start cutting again, but don't do it. Keep fighting the urges and they'll start to get weaker again.

You can find some support from other people who are going through the same thing here: http://www.recoveryourlife.com/Forum/default.aspx
You're also welcome to email me through my Answers profile or at [e-mail] if you ever want to talk.

Answer 2

It Is Ok Hun, I've Been A Cutter For 7 Years..Don't Go Back To It, It's Like A Drug It's No Good.Have You Tryed Going To Therapy? You Can Try That. Or Hotlines Here #1-800-992-5757. Have You Tryed 1-800-DONTCUT. Also You May Want This Book. Cutting Understanding And Overcoming Self-Mutilation..It's By:Steven Levenkron...I Know What It's Like Hun, Things Will Get Better For You........xo..

Answer 3

3 years ago I used to be a secret cutter (and other things)myself...as weird as it sounds, I felt a whole lot better. But I know that it is very unhealthy (as time pass, I really didn't like the scars) and you should really consider help. You might think that your friends are giving you hell but at least you have people looking out for you and giving a damn about you. There should be other ways to release your frustation and anger. Find an activity to take up...exercise, kickboxing, anything to keep your mind occupied. Find a trustworthy person to talk to, being a very close friend, family member or even get professional help. Just when you get that urge you can call them up and they can give you support not to do it.

Answer 4

Yes and no. Cutting is a coping mechanism. It can help a person in several instances. It could be help anxiety, anger, depression, boredom, even sexual gratification. If this is changing the way you are feeling, ex: from a depressed mood to a relieved mood, then yes. But, here comes the no. It can become an addiction. Not an addiction to the razor it's self, but to the adrenaline that is caused by forcing harm on yourself. That was the psychological aspect. The phsyical aspect is that, it can cause extreme bloodloss, keloid scars and even shock... In all physical veiws, self injury can not be condoled as a good 'thing'. In one psychological veiw yes, because you are using something to occupy your time time, so you don't dwell on your feelings. The other psychological view is that no, it can not be condoled because, it's an addictive behaviour. Good Luck I hope I helped ya some.

Answer 5

It sounds to me like this is a cry for help from you. I understand that cutting is a way to release pain and your strong urge to cut after stopping indicates that you are in pain. It is very difficult to stop behaviors that provide that release you are seeking. However, I am sure you know that there is help for you out there. It is ok that you have these desires and it is good that you are seeking answers to your question, however acting on this can be dangerous. It sounds as if you were pressured to stop cutting but that doesn't take away the reason you cut to begin with. I encourage you to seek help. It is available. suicidehotlines.com/national.html This hotline will locate your nearest crisis center. I am a nurse and also a mother. I hope you will seek help instead of giving up.

Answer 6

Honestly, you don't need to cut anymore. Cutting is a way to cope, but all does it harms yourself. You risk infections or even accidentally dying by slicing your veins.
Self harm is a terrible addiction. People who don't do it will never understand why we do it. For some, it helps with dealing with emotional pain. I suspect that is the reason why you are doing it.
However, you can stop it. You need to find other outlets of dealing with emotional pain. There are many options such as exercising or even punching a pillow.
Perhaps what you can do is write a list of pros and cons of cutting yourself. I think that you will see that cutting yourself will get you nowhere.
I know all about cutting. I've been cutting for almost 8 years of my life and I'm trying so hard to not to cut. It's so hard not to do it, but I know that we can stop this. We are stronger than our minds. We can't deny that it takes away our emotional pain, but at the same time it doesn't do anything but harm.
I wish you the best of luck. Email me if you want to.

Answer 7

honey, you need to find a different way to get rid of your emotions...

I used to cut, and still want to but I just have to remember all of the people that i know care about me and know that I am better than that. I take a really really really hot shower, grab some poptarts, mountain dew, and gum, and then I right...let everything out on the paper. It helps sooo much. Just right your problems away...don't reread it though, wait until another time...it keeps it out of your head

I don't know what your backround is like or anything, but I found a teacher to talk to when I became depressed. She's helped me get this far, and is still helping me today...she's a life saver. Literally. But I suggest that you find someone to talk to, whether it be a friend, a teacher, a counselor, or me, just talk to someone. It helps to just have someone there to listen. If you're like me, you won't be able to tell your parents, so you'll need someone else...

email me anytime at
[e-mail]

Answer 8

No, it's not a good thing. Cutting yourself to cope with stress isn't a healthy thing to do. You need to talk to your parents and tell them what's going on with you. If you don't want to tell them, try talking to a school counselor or trusted adult. You need professional help to end this. Cutting doesn't solve anything. Life is stressful, that's just the way it is. You need to find other ways to deal with things that don't go your way. What you're doing now is very unheathly and you need a professional to help you through this. You won't solve this problem on your own so, work up your courage and get the help you need.

Answer 9

hay there, firstly i wanna say...ignore all these jerks on here who are swearing and name calling, they have nothing better to do then to sit online swearing at people who are reaching out for help, if you are doing it for attention, then you need to talk about things that bother you, find other outlets, if its not for attention, then i dont know what to tell you, except TRY to think of things you could do instead that gives you the same feeling that doesnt involve hurting yourself in any way, maybe you could see a doctor, all you need is someone who is willing to listen to you...... and il say this again, ALWAYS ignore people like the a**holes on here who are name calling, people will always run their mouths about things they dont understand, i hope this is helpfull and i hope things get better for you hon, if you want to talk to me directly you can look on my profile and send me an IM, i have that option alllowed

Answer 10

It is a bad thing, you don't need to get hurt to fight the sadness inside you. We ALL have problems, we ALL have battles to fight, but we don't need to get hurt to fight these things. If you keep doing this it's possible it could get worse, and more serious. Just tell yourself no! If you want ot live long, you have to let yourself live.