Hi Carmen!

I think a lot of us can relate to your feelings, both about cutting deeper and about scars. A good question to ask yourself in situations like this is "Why do I feel the need to cut deeper and/or see scars?" If you are like some of us, it may be because you feel the need to validate your pain through self-injury. Cutting deeper and scarring yourself may represent to you that your pain is real. If this is the case, please understand that the depth of your injuries does not necessarily reflect the depth of your pain. You can injure very superficially, and still be trying to communicate (to yourself or others) that you are hurting very deeply. Your pain IS valid, even if you do choose not to cut deeper. It is a courageous move when you decide not to cut, or not to cut worse. It takes tremendous strength to stop. It may feel like the cutting you have done just isn't "enough" to be real, but it is. Your hurting is real. And you are alive. There is very much inside of you- not just bones and other body parts but also a living being with feelings and hopes and fears. (Sometimes it's hard to feel and hope and fear, but it's possible to get back to that). Your reasons and feelings may be different from these. Whatever they are, I encourage you to explore them, try to understand them, and think of what you can do about it. If you are comfortable, feel free to share that with any of us. Feel free to ask for help and support, and feel free to share your own thoughts. We are here to help (and be helped). I've seen a lot of really smart and really supportive people on this site who can give you great advice and love.

Best wishes, Carmen! (((((((((((((((((Carmen))))))))))))))))))))))

Angela
(SweetCrusader)

"Blessed be the cracked, for they let in the light"
-Author Unknown