cutting...?

Question

i started cutting over a year ago & it started out as nothing & became kinda an addiction...i stop for awhile sometimes then start again...any advice to stop...?

Answer 1

Here are some excerpts from previous similar questions that I've answered that you may find helpful:

There are multiple reasons why people self-mutilate and each case needs to be explored individually. The most common reason is that it occurs in order to induce a dissociative state and assists people who have been traumatized with achieving a state of emotional numbness and you hear it described as soothing for them. The physiological basis for it stems from the release of endorphins-the brain's natural painkillers-which function much like opiates and dull the experience of emotional pain. Other reasons include the opposite rationale-people who feel numb emotionally and who have shut down will self-mutilate in order to feel something and remember they are alive. Others do it for self-punishment and feel relief from guilt or shame and see the letting of blood as a way to purge themselves of guilt. It may be a way of re-enacting and attempting to master early traumatic experiences This often happens during a dissociative state where people are recalling experiences which were traumatizing and they feel a need to punish/purge themselves for what they often mistakenly believe they have done wrong. There are also folks who do it as a way to cope with unrelenting chronic physical pain from other sources as it creates an alternative pain that distracts them from the chronic pain (think of the principle behind how a TENS unit works). In more rare instances it can be a response to psychotic states where folks are responding to command hallucinations or believe they are purging themselves from some evil inside them. There are other less common reasons, depending on the form of self-mutilation (eye enucleation, castration, etc.) that tend to be symbolic in nature. But most commonly it is done in response to increased feelings of tension with which the individual cannot cope and it becomes a way for them to dissociate their emotional pain and achieve an emotional numbing. The goal of treatment is to fully understand the reasons that sustain the behavior and in the latter case (the most common) to help people develop affect tolerance and the ability to cope with and soothe their emotional pain in healthier ways.

I'm a therapist and I agree with all the folks here who speak from personal experience that you need to speak with a professional that can help you explore healthier alternatives. The longer you wait, the harder it gets, so please seek some assistance. Cutting really only works for a while and eventually it'll lose it's charm and you may find yourself cutting deeper and more often in order to achieve the same effect.

Just a couple of ideas to help get you started-try to stop in small steps. Set yourself a goal to not cut for a certain time period and when you've mastered that, set yourself a goal to refrain for longer periods, depending on how frequently you are cutting. Take it one day, one hour at a time if necessary. You can do this with each episode when you feel the impulse to cut in order to increase your self-control each time you feel the desire. What you'll also find is that as you go for longer and longer periods of time without giving in to the urge to cut, you'll become more aware of all your feelings and what is driving them and therapy can really help you to understand it better and give you options to consider. Ultimately you need to make a choice to stop the behavior or it won't stop. But for starters, try making a choice to refrain for a little longer than usual and challenge yourself to extend the time for longer and longer intervals. Setting a goal to stop can be daunting, but breaking it down into steps usually works and it allows you gradual access to your emotions so you can learn alternate methods of coping a little at a time.

Also, remove and get rid of all the things with which you regulary cut. Many people have certain items they use all the time and it becomes like a ritual. Removing these things will help you gain delay time by not having them readily accessible. It won't prevent you from getting other objects, but it will decrease the likelihood that you'll act on impulse alone.

Another option that has worked for some folks is to take a doll or stuffed animal that you love and cut it instead and then stitch it up or bandage it. It allows you to vent your feelings, but also helps you recognize and empathise with the pain you are inflicting by doing this and that in turn helps develop understanding towards yourself and gives you an opportunity to engage in actions designed to help heal the hurt. Loving something else, even a stuffed animal, is often a path towards learning to love and care for yourself.

Rubber bands, drawing a red line with a marker or ice are substitutes and some folks do find this helpful, but ultimately you need to break away from the cycle of causing yourself pain in order to numb up your emotions.

One other thought to consider. What you experience when you cut is really more like relief from pain than it is like truly feeling happy. The absence of pain is not the same as feeling happy, so don't settle for less than really being happy. Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

I have the same problem myself - it seems to come and go over the years. Sometimes it will be addictive and very hard to stop and then sometimes I never think of it. I don't know what causes these waves or cycles, but can offer you what works for me.

1. Talking to my therapist. AND Making a promise to not to cut myself to her. Sometimes it's easier to keep promises to others than to yourself - and someone's there to hold you accountable.

2. Telling my husband (or your closest relative or friend or roomate) how you are feeling and asking for a little extra time with them and with help finding diversions.

3. Diversions are the best thing for me. I will watch something, surf the net, play with clay, go window shopping or anything outside the privacy of home. These help get your mind out of that obsessive thought cycle and puts me in public places where I (personally) won't cut.

There are also medications that can help more in general (like antidepressants or changing dosage if you are already on them) and more specifically with anxiety at the moment (like ativan or xanex)

I know how difficult this is. I have been through it and will likely go through it again at some point.

Another thing that helps me tremendously is to tell my self two things:
1. I can have thoughts about cutting and not act on them.
2. This feeling is TEMPORARY and it will pass - just get through the moment with the knowledge that THIS WILL PASS and YOU WILL FEEL BETTER.

I wish you all the health and wellbeing you need, and a little more.

Answer 3

Going To A Couselor,1800-DONTCUT,HotLine #[phone], 24 Hour Crisis Hotline # [phone], Maybe Talk To Some One YOU Trust. Some That You Know Can Help You. Im Glad You Want Help. YOU CAN DO THIS!
Im Ex- Cutter Of 7 Years. You Are Right It Is An Addiction. GOOD FOR YOU GETTING THE HELP YOU NEED....xoxox.

Answer 4

Definitely you stop - once you get to the point where you get addicted you just end up cutting yourself worse and worse. Trust me, even the little tiny ones - the scars never go away. If you're cutting you must be depressed - try to get some help. If you walk into a hospital ER they can help you and make a plan for the best path of help you can get. Good luck, and please get yourself some help!

Answer 5

It is an addiction. It takes true dedication, and some help and support from friends. Contact me and I might be able to help. Maybe you can confide in me. Sometimes it helps to have and actual person rather than a diary and someone that doesn't know you so none of your information gets to anyone you wouldn't want to hear it.

Answer 6

Put a rubber band around your wrist instead (for a few minutes, maximum), stretch and release. Practice for 20 mins. daily, and when you feel the need, the method at http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com Meditation room, try it out; mantra meditation; repeat the word: "easy", or gaze at a burning candle in a quiet, darkened room. Tai Chi & yoga suit some. Exercise vigorously for 30 - 60 mins. daily, eat healthily, and keep occupied. Take 4 fish oil supplements daily. Phone 1800 dont cut. See http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/ (/psych/injury.html) & http://www.selfinjury.com/ See a doctor and ask to be referred for therapy.

Answer 7

You have to ask yourself... why would you want to cut your skin when it is the skin that you were given to bring joy to others. Listen to Underoath's song To Whome it May Concern or Casting Such a Thin Shadow.

Just don't do something you will regret its not worth it.

Answer 8

Cutting is a VERY serious problem. Please print out what you posted on here and take it to a trusted adult (parent, counselor, teacher or clergy) and tell them that you wrote it. You will need professional help to deal with this. Please do this soon!

Answer 9

i have the same problem...just try to concencrate on something other than cutting...like look to our friends as support or ur parents even just have someone comfort you and lets you vent to them when your angry.

Answer 10

call 1800 dont cut. try metanoia.org for threapy. talk to me [e-mail]. i can be a support if u want.

Answer 11

i am going through the same thing.
just tell some of your really good friends and they can motivate you to stop.