why do people harm themselves?

Question

Why do some people slit their wrists and cause self harm? I don’t understand why they do it? Does it give them some sort of self relief?

Answer 1

I feel that its almost too complex an issue to answer too matter-of-factly with one simple sentence. To put hundreds of textbooks and studies into a *very* simple answer here, typically the person that does it feels very out-of-touch with his or her life; a feeling of weakness and lack of control in one's life. Inflicting self-pain gives the person a sense of (twisted) empowerment - as in, "only *I* can control the level of pain I want to experience now.* If you think about it, people often turn to very negative stuff in order to avoid feeling too-vivid pain or confusion. Whether its alcohol, drugs, sex with people one doesnt love or care about, shopping addictions, and yes, unfortunately even pain affliction.

If you can find it in your local library, try the book "Cutting" out by Steven Levenkron (see http://books.google.com/books?id=1UJBgGGyP_YC&pg=PP4&dq=self+affliction+and+cutting&sig=v2V_rrDA9UEper3jPv14o9jRq7s). There is a LOT to the underlying reasons that people do this to themselves. If you know somoeone who is doing this to themselves just be aware that the person needs a lot of caring, understanding, compassion and most importantly - help.

Answer 2

yea they say that it gives them some sort of relief..but unless you have done it you cant say "no..they're just messed up" that is so ignorant. But I believe its caused from demonic oppression that starts with something as simple as insecurities or fears that escalades into suicidal thoughts and self hatred. I have heard people that do it say that the pressure they feel from whatever is bothering them (problems at school, family whatever) gets so bad that the only way to find a way to release they pain they feel inside is to concentrate on some other pain..ive heard that its almost like a spiritualthing and whenever they cut and as the blood releases they feel a release...I think its much deeper than people understand.

Answer 3

There are many reasons people self harm they include:
Bullying or discrimination
Losing someone close to them such as a parent, brother, sister or friend
Lack of love and affection or neglect by parents or carers
Physical or sexual abuse
A serious illness that affects the way they feel about themselves

Hope this helps

Answer 4

Don't listen to the people saying that it's stupid and it's for attention. I have gone through so I know it better then most of the people on here. It can be for attention. However more chances it is not. When I did it I told nobody, I cut myself on places on my body that people wouldn't see. It was not for attention seeing how nobody saw or knew about it. I did it because I was very depressed. It gave me a sense of power. Everyone else was hurting me so why couldn't I hurt myself. Everyone can give you the scientific response or the ignorant response but you can never really understand until you have been there.

Answer 5

Lack of self confidence.
Because when you care for yourself you take care of your body.
When you do not have confidence on yourself,
you let events and people affect your head
and your indermind your body.
They heart themselve as a self-punishment.
if they slit their wrist at several attempts but they never die, they are calling for attention.

Answer 6

When they cut themselves its because they are angry with themself/depressed, its their way of taking out the anger(on themself), sometimes its even a way of showing others how you feel as you actually are asking for help though not everyone is like that some like to cover their arms and make sure no one else sees as they feel too ashamed, its a horrible mental disorder!

Answer 7

self harming is a mental condition and it can be the outcome of excessive inner pain.I know the people who are rejected in love and they can not bear the pain and cut their body to numb it. Whatever it is, it is very sad and nobody should be allowed to harm life, be it it is his own life.

Answer 8

i have cut myself a lot, at certain points in my life it gave me relief. Right now I am trying not to. The answer to your question is yes, it gives a short euphoric feeling that not very many people understand.

Answer 9

hmmmm i used to do this last year yes it gives relief i also tried to overdose in 6th grade now im in 8th and know one know that it was cause people put me down callin me fat and havin a big nose and stuff and i weigh 105 and now i proved them wrong by bein a great dancer and cheerleader

Answer 10

Pain like that can be explained as a cry for attention or releasing frustration through pain.