If your not cutting.. is scratching ok?

Question

Whenever I start feeling really depressed, or like I'm really ugly, I scratch really lightly on my left arm and left leg. I do it really lightly so I can feel the numbing sensaton for as long as possible. As soon as the skin turns bright red, I stop. It stops feeling good if I do it too long. I've been doing this for as long as I can remember, but they told us at school that if you harm yourself in any way, you're crazy. I can't be crazy, because my friend said that if you don't cut then your still ok.

(I only do it on my left arm and leg. I don't like to touch my other side for some reason. And I started only writing and typing with my left hand a little while ago)

Is it wrong or something?

Answer 1

Yes this is wrong. you need to see a professional because you could have a medical problem. There are medications that can help you. And counselors that you can talk to that can make a big difference in your life.

Answer 2

Quote: [" If your not cutting.. is scratching ok?

Whenever I start feeling really depressed, or like I'm really ugly, I scratch really lightly on my left arm and left leg. I do it really lightly so I can feel the numbing sensaton for as long as possible. As soon as the skin turns bright red, I stop."]

really depressed
really ugly. are the key words here. This is the core of the cutting issue, of the basic self-loathing, leading to the sensations of self harm ........for the purpose of some form of relief or punishment.

Yes, you are dealing in the physical relm. But the issue at hand is psychological -- the strength of emotional / mental anguish can vary from episode to episode, from person to person. If you are feeling the strength of self-hate, and its intensity rises to a crisis point where you are unable to prevent the destructive action -------You have got a PROBLEM that needs TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP with a mental health professional. Cutting can become lethal.

My suggestion, rather than the mild scratching, would be to maybe use an ice cube on your leg instead. You can fulfill
a change in sensation without harm. When it's melted find something else to do with your time, something productive or social or a form of exercise to occupy your thoughts.

Answer 3

well what i would say that hurting yourself in any way is bad. Some people cut themselves, others drink, others, i guess in your case, scratch. Even though its not as dangerous as cutting or drinking or other things, it is still a "destructive" habbit that is hurting you on the inside. Rather than scratching, why not deal wth the problems at hand? they may be hard to face if you feel ugly or whatnot, but if you learn to accept who you are and what you are things will be alot better for you as a person. Why not give yourself a chance rather than scratch? it can only help : ) so good luck and i hope you change your mind about yourself.

Answer 4

I have done this too and that is how I found your answer (because I wondered if it was normal or not). I was not too worried about it being abnormal. I know I am not crazy, so don't think you're crazy for it. But it seems like good advice to see a counselor, and I have just decided to do that. It can help you get to the root of what is causing this behavior, and heal that in your life so you don't have to go on with it. Good luck!

Answer 5

cutting is not the only way people self harm. if your doing that when your depressed and feel bad about yourself then it is not OK.
The intent is what is important and why you feel like you need to do that to yourself. It does not mean that your crazy! It means that you need to find other ways in dealing with your negative feelings.
People who start out doing just a little something to themselves usually end up doing more and more self harm. Please try to stop before it escalates.

Answer 6

(I only do it on my left arm and leg. I don't like to touch my other side for some reason. And I started only writing and typing with my left hand a little while ago)
thats most likely due to obsessive compulsive disorder ..
hav uu everr been to see aa therapist ??
at my skool they told us that writing on ur self was self-mutilation .. so yehh, ii guess anything caan constitute as that .. :|

Answer 7

Crazy no, need help yes. Really, sit down with a therapist, parent, friend, and tell them what you've been doing. Let them guide you to the right help. You don't know what will trigger you to go further than scratching, and you don't want to know the consequences of those actions.

Answer 8

if you want to hurt yourself then maybe your feeling down

from experience i started scratching but it wasn't like i was depressed
but now i am depressed I'm cutting and I'm seeking help and its really hard because I'm in such a low state if you can get help now from someone the easy it will be to stop

don't no one say your crazy because your not

Answer 9

harming yourself in anyway is a concern, calling someone crazy for harming themselves is not right at all. they are not crazy they my just need some guidance or help.

there are plenty numbers you can ring to get help, as well as go speak to your GP or speak to a councellor if you are worried about it.

i do think you need to do one of the above as scratching yourself is still harming yourself and you need to findout why you do that.

goodluck

Answer 10

Please don't. I know it helps the mental anguish stop for awhile, but it's gonna come back. I used to hit myself. I don't anymore. I want to be pretty and take care of myself. So, now I bikeride in the park and take my camera and take a lot of photos and enter contests and even teach photography.

Find a niche. You'll feel so much better and be more beautiful and confident for it.