How would you feel if you had a child or someone you cared about, and they were not dealing with things in a healthy way but cutting or doing something else that is unhealthy? What would you honestly tell someone else who is like you about cutting?

You are right in recognizing that it serves a function for you, and that it keeps you from thinking of your problems but doesn't make them go away. The first step in being able to change is acceptance. You have the acceptance. You are aware of what you do and why you do it.

It doesn't sound like you are asking for advice on how to change, yet, and that is available when you are ready for it. For now, maybe it will help to talk to your family and other concerned people about acceptance of the function in what you are doing. Remember, they will be more able to hear you when you are able to express yourself calmly and present your thoughts in a rational way. You have to be willing to hear them out too, if you want them to hear you out. It is only fair. They love you and are concerned about you and want to help you to be healthy.