i am addicted to cutting my self what do i do?

Question

when i waz in the 6th grade i waz really depressed and i cut my self alot now im happy but i cant stop doing it to my self i dont know what i should do. i want to stop because i know it hurts my mom and my family and my friends but i cant help it please help i need advice

Answer 1

Hey Allison,
Well first of all, looks like yuou have recognized the fact you do it and the effect it has on others. However, none of this really matters as you need to discover what is driving you to do it! You say you are happy, but if ever there was a cry for attention or an act of desperation, cutting yourslef is it.
Are you sure you are happy? Are you still reeling form the effects of depression from the 6th grade?
I had this friend at school who also cut herself in 6th grade. It got to the point where she admitted one day to me that she had considered putting a noose aorund her neck. At times like that, i realised that it didnt matter that she could release some of her thoughts to me, she had to release the thoughts from her self if that makes any sense? Eventually, the problem was sort of sorted through as it ended with us both asking someone for help, and getting her some psychiatric help...but that is still a tough thing to do.
If you are much happier now, then that is great- but something is stilll driving you to cut yourself, and it is not really a habit unless you are into pain. I mentioned in another one of my asnwers that there are many websites or even phonelines that you can call. Why dont you try googling for some? There are online chatrooms where you can talk to other people in the same position as you (although do be careful what you say here and dont be too trusting with personal information). Also there are some phonelines which do not show up on your phonebill and are free if you are worried about family finding out about this.
Hope some of this helps!
Lots of luck and best wishes!
N

Answer 2

Hi, it's good that you acknowledge that you want to stop. What you have to understand is that cutting is an addiction and just like any other addiction then it's going to be hard to stop.
However, I promise you will be able to stop cutting yourself.
You will need support from your family and friends and a good therapist. You have to be careful to chose a therapist who can deal with self harming. This is very important to look into.
Now in order to stop self harming then you will have to replace this act with something else.
Whenever you feel the urge to cut then you can:
exercise
write down your feelings
talk to a friend or family member
snap a rubber band against your wrist
hold an ice cube in your hand until it melts
punch a pillow
draw or color

There are many ways to distract yourself and you will have to find one or several to help you.
Now make sure that you tell your parents that you want to stop this and you get professional help.
I will give a link to a very helpful site. Be aware though that this site might trigger you to cut. So be careful when looking throughout this site. This site will give very detailed information about self injury and even features a chat room.
The second link deals with stopping self injury.
I wish you the best of luck. It won't be easy at first to stop, but you will be able to do so with self determination.

Answer 3

Hi there,

It really bothers me when people say that people who cut themselves are doing it for attention. Those people have no clue as to why someone would do this to themselves. There are far easier ways to seek out attention then to self injure. Self injury behavior can become addicting just like any other form of self soothing behaviors. Sometimes people drink, or do drugs, it is the same thing . You have used cutting as a wayt to cope with intense feelings. It is an outlet, and helps you feel better and calmer.
self injury also releases a chemical called endorphins. This is why cutting is so hard to stop and it can become a problem within itself. Sometimes people who cut have depression, or a personality disorder.
The best thing to do is to start to seek out help for yourself by talking to a professional. It can be very hard to overcome self injury behavior, however it is possible, just like any other addiction. Nobody can stop you from harming yourself though. It is has to be up to you, then you will have to fight very hard not to give into the urges and find out what triggers you to cut.
There are several online support groups that you can become a member of. The best one is called Safe Haven powered by invision power board. You can become a member and see that you are not alone , there are many people who do this and will help you by giving you support and feedback.
Hang in there .

Answer 4

Cutting yourself can be a habit, but it is so important that you stop before you hurt yourself even worse. Try talking to your mother about it. Let her know that you feel happy, but you can't stop cutting yourself. Hopefully, you can see a counselor to help you stop (Seeing a counselor is totally normal and will be a completely confidential meeting). There is also a counselor at your school you are able to talk to and he/she can help you get through this.

The biggest step is to see someone be it your parents or someone at school- it could even be an adult you feel comfortable talking to such as a teacher, a friend's parent, or someone in your community.

Remember that this is not your fault, it is a habit and you have taken the first step in helping yourself by realizing you have a problem and seeking advice.

I wish you the best of luck, you can do this!

Answer 5

Tell your parents you are ready to get professional help right now. You need to do this before you scar yourself up really badly and have to live like that for life. Do this not only for yourself, but for the others who love and worry about you. This is a serious condition you have. Dont take it lightly. Good luck.

Answer 6

Have you thought about talking to a therapist? They can help you find out what makes you keep cutting yourself, and hopefully help you to stop.

Don't be afraid to get help. It will be hard but very worth it in the end.

Answer 7

Whenever you get the urge to cut, run a red marker along your skin instead. My friend did this and it helped cure her of her cutting. It's red, like blood, and it will give the appearance of cutting, but you won't actually be harming yourself.

Answer 8

You need to seek help NOW before you end up cutting an artery and bleeding to death, you cant be ashamed of it your not the only one out there with this problem, professiol help and counsiling if my suggestion

Answer 9

well firstly think about the stress and sadness your putting your family through, obviously they care about you to much to be doing this to your self. I am sure the thought of your family not worrying about what you are doing if you stopped would make you even happier.

Answer 10

See a doctor and get some medication hun you dont want to go through life like that