I agree that it is hard to explain but it is definitely not for attention. For me I have always had a hard time expressing my emotions. I hurt so much on the inside that when I cut its like I can see and feel all that pain leave my body and then I feel better. Of course this only works for a short amount of time until the cut heals (and lately I have started picking at wounds and not letting them heal) I dont know if that makes sense, its complicated.