Is it okay?

Question

To feel normal/stable but only just having to cut yourself from time to time to calm my nerves a bit and stop from feeling so very down.

I usually feel okay, just certain times when things get a bit too much I have to do something to make it pass and not every time but a lot of the times I cut. I feel better than I have in a long time. Sometimes I get some serious mood swings at work (maybe only once maybe twice a week tops) like extremely energetic to very depressed in approx two hours.

I feel normal/stable most of the time, just some times not so much but just 2-4 cuts usually make it better. Is it okay to be like this?

Answer 1

Hi Kaz,
What you describe sounds like most people to me.
Interacting with people, even if they are friends and in a friendly encounter can be stressful. So, occasionally reducing contact with people can be a legitimate and effective way of reducing stress in a busy life.
Like most things in life, moderation is the important thing.
I guess everyone has come home after a bad day, locked the front door with a sigh of relief, flipped the phone off and determined not to be disturbed until they have had a nice long bath and a drink.
Now, I am no expert, just Joe Public, but I wouldn't worry about this, unless you feel there is something to worry about, if you see what I mean. By all means take breaks from friends to reduce stress, but if you feel you are growing away from people it might be a good idea to have a word with a stress-management counsellor or similar.
Good luck.

Answer 2

well cutting yourself isn't supposed to be a good thing, but you seem content with it. it could lead to many dangerous things though, maybe 2 or 3 cuts today, maybe 5 tomorrow, maybe deeper ones next week, maybe cut to my heart's full content next year. you could end up drowning yourself into thoughts of suicide. the more you feed your depression, the more your depression will want.
i mean, it's not like you have really really big problems right? if you keep on cutting, you might persuade your mind into thinking your life is a disaster, but there are a lot more people with worse conditions.
it's probably better to stop this before it becomes a serious habit. you can find other ways to help you feel better when you have mood swings, maybe a kind of soothing beverage or natural herbs. think of something similar to cutting, but does not create harm like scrapbooking or cutting cardboard boxes for the fun of it instead of cutting yourself. it's better than risking to putting yourself in physical danger.
if your situation becomes harder to handle, and you have already gotten addicted to it, maybe consult a doctor and take some anti-depressants.

Answer 3

No, it's not. You think it all is all normal and okay at first, but before you can even realize it, it starts to become a habit. Believe me, I know. Cutting is like quick sand, once you get sucked in, it's extremely hard to get out. You should try to find a different way to calm your nerves. Maybe talking about it to someone, or doing something that helps relieve stress.

Answer 4

It is NOT OK to cut yourself! Not even every once in a while. Cutting is not an appropriate way of handling stress or anger or any other feeling or problem. It is a self-destructive behavior. You should look for better ways to calm your self down, please. You could get a serious staph infection from cutting. Please stop. Get some help if you need to....there's no shame in that.

Answer 5

Kaz, I'm sorry you are trying to cope this way, but hope you do it safely when you do.

Self Harming is a coping mechanism, albeit not the best one. You obviously are feeling overwhelmed at times and need to self harm to escape. (Some ppl do it to be able to feel because IRL they "go numb" and others do it to escape feeling.)

It would be best to learn other ways to cope, and also to realize that you are worthy of good mental health. You don't deserve to feel like you need to do this, though I do understand how it helps you.

Try out the website link below, you'll find good support, and a forum just for those who self harm. TC!

Answer 6

i have almost the same symptoms as you.... very scary. i'm bipolar and cut myself on occasion also. this is NOT okay, just b/c i do it. i'm trying to find other ways to cope. i recently got up the nerve to go to the doctor and was put on 2 different meds. i haven't really felt a difference yet, but i'm hoping they will get in my system soon. good luck to you. email me if you would like to talk. i would like to talk to you if it would help at all.

Answer 7

No, sweetheart, it's not okay to cut your body. To want to is not okay. You aren't okay. But I congratulate you for carrying on with life with these debilitating mood swings. You really sound like a candidate for medication.

Answer 8

No, it's not OK to cut yourself - ever! Please see a doctor and tell him/her what you've said here. If the doctor doesn't want to listen, find another. If you don't have insurance, try a mental health clinic - look in the phone book to find the number.

Please do this right away! Good luck to you.

Answer 9

No! It isn't ok to cut your self. It sounds like you may be bipolar. There is medicaton out there to help control your mood swings.

Answer 10

NO! You need to see a therapist and/or psychiatrist. Cutting/self mutilation is NOT normal whether it's 1 cut or many! Please get help!