[Samanthagreene]

Would it be SI if I claw at my skin with my nails because when I do that, it either makes me feel something or keeps the sadness at bay for a bit? I'm just curious because I've never done something like this before until now and I'm not sure if I should be worried or if it's just a phase everyone (or most people) sort of goes through.

[The Other Guy]

It may be SI, or just a phase, sorry I can't be more help

[growlithing]

I'm not sure the act itself is SI, but the reasoning behind it certainly is. I used to kinda scratch at the surface of my skin before I started actually cutting. I would be worried because it seems like it's on your mind. If you're upset and picking at yourself thinking about SI, that's a problem because eventually you'll end up breaking skin either on purpose or on accident. Maybe you haven't done it because you're worried about the pain, or you're worried about developing a problem, but whatever your reasons are for not doing it, they will fade away the moment you do it the first time. If you're already scratching regularly to deal with your feelings, you're a great candidate for developing a serious SI problem.

[jadedbutterfly]

I think it is called Dermatillomania....
It's a compulsion... I do it, thought it was another way of SI'ng but I don't even realize when I am doing it. check out the OCD thread... might find some answers there.