Mar. 24, 2012 at 7:24 am
Why do people cut themselves? I've never understood this. Could somebody please explain?
Mar. 24, 2012 at 1:02 pm
It's like...your life is falling apart. Your out of control. Your in SO much pain you can't stand it. But for those few minutes when your in pain, it's like the world slips away, and all you can think about is what your doing. For me, it makes me feel numb, and I'm the one that decides how deep the cut is and how bad it hurts. I also used it to punish myself when I'd eaten to much or upset my parents or failed at something.
The exact reason is different for everyone that does it. There's no one reason. The best I can say is it's the same reason people drink or smoke or do drugs.
If you have any questions you can ask me. I don't mind talking about it.
Mar. 24, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Okay. Do people ask about it?
Are your parents aware?
Have you ever received a psychological diagnosis?
Do you think it could be related to low self-esteem?
Is the gender split mostly equal or does it lean more towards one side?
Thank you in advance.
Mar. 24, 2012 at 1:44 pm
1) Sometimes, when they seem my scars. People also ask if I cut myself because they say I look "Emo".
2) My father doesn't know, but my mom found saw a few one time and knew what they were. She doesn't know how bad it got though.
3) I was diagnosed with Major Depression, but it was only a partial diagnosis. I have Dysthymia, BDD, OCD, EDNOS, MDD, and some other things that I havn't been diagnosed with techinichly but I have.
4) It has a lot to do with low self-esteem. I used it to punish myself for hurting people, eating to much, and/or being a burdun on others.
5) Both genders do it, but girls tend to more then guys. I think it's about 15% of self harmers are guys.
Mar. 24, 2012 at 2:16 pm
How do you relate to your psychological diagnoses? Do they in some way influence you or how you behave (the knowledge of them, that is)?
Is cutting oneself the only form of self-harm you indulge in?
Thanks; this is very interesting.
Mar. 24, 2012 at 2:26 pm
The only way they influence how I behave is that I know what to try and not do. Like when I look in the mirror and see this fat freak I just tell myself it's the eating disorder and BDD talking. Is that what you ment?
Mostly, i don't really do it anymore though. But I also bruise sometimes, i.e. hit walls, slam my arm/hand against the corner of my dresser etc.
Your welcom :) I'm glad to help.
Mar. 24, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Yeah, I guess. Like my dx. of AsPD and narc traits doesn't affect me one bit; it's just a label and I don't behave any differently because of it. As far as I can judge I'm different from anybody without AsPD / EDD so I just wanted to know what it's like for you.
Mar. 24, 2012 at 2:45 pm
If you don't mind me asking, what is EDD?
Mar. 24, 2012 at 3:13 pm
EDD = Empathy Deficiency Disorder. Kinda like a mild AsPD.
Mar. 24, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Ohhh, I see
Mar. 24, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Heheh. Really?
Mar. 24, 2012 at 3:25 pm
I know about that disorder, I just didn't know it was also called "EDD"
Mar. 24, 2012 at 3:35 pm
It's not so much a tangible disorder as a way of identifying people like that who don't fit the criteria for AsPD. People who would score in the mid-teens on the PCL-R.
Mar. 31, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Hi.
Sometimes people cut themselves to show themselves that pain does heal, that pain does go away...but when you end up with scars, that's not always the case...
Apr. 28, 2012 at 9:00 pm
I think the reason is different for anyone who does it. Personally, I've done it for lot's of different reasons: depression/suicidal, family problems (ie divorce, alcohol abuse, distance), friendship loss, punishment, numbness, etc.
I don't really know why any of those things would cause me or anyone else to cut. When bad things happen, I usually react by getting numb. When I can't feel anything on the inside, it's like I have to prove I can still feel on the outside. Also, when it feels like I don't have control over the rest of my life anymore, it's comforting to have control over my own pain. For me, it's a form of rebellion too, I guess. And sometimes, cutting makes me feel like I'm not alone. People and animals will come and go, but these scars? They'll be here forever. Cutting relieves my stress too. While I'm cutting, nothing else matters. It's just me and my skin.
That all probably sounds really sick, so if you want me to clarify anything, just ask. I want you to know I'm trying to stop. I've been clean for almost two weeks now, but if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Out of curiosity, why do you want to know about cutting?
Apr. 29, 2012 at 12:00 am
I agree with shapeshifter--the reason is different for everyone. But it all comes down basically to stress or depression or both. Eventually though it becomes a legitimate addiction. So that sucks.
Apr. 29, 2012 at 4:47 am
Because I didn't understand why people did it and was genuinely curious. Thanks for the answers.
May 7, 2012 at 11:28 pm
I never thought about it, but I think SpringRayyn is right. It basically boils down to stress and depression. Suckage to the max.
May 7, 2012 at 11:28 pm
I never thought about it, but I think SpringRayyn is right. It basically boils down to stress and depression. Suckage to the max.
May 7, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Oops. Sorry guys. Didn't mean to post that twice.
Teen Ink
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