[Bluenosette]

Hello,

I tend to pinch my arms, and hands while dissociating. My arms are quite scarred by it. I had stopped for awhile, but have started again. I find I only do it now while in a group therapy session. I do it to stay focused and not zone out. I don't want others to think I'm rude by not listening to them. I am just curious is this is considered self harm.

Thank you

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

It's a grey area. Pinching is a form of self-harm for some, but whether you are doing it in that way, and whether it has done damage to you is another story. You say your arms are quite scarred from it, so that seems like you did do damage, and you do it in times of distress, which tells me it's a self-harm thing. Self-harm doesn't necessarily have to be some extravagant act of self-mutilation, as long as it's harm to one's self, and for all the wrong reasons, then baddabing baddaboom, you have self-harm. If you think about it, a huge amount of us self-harm - we get tattoos, we pierce our bodies, women wear horribly uncomfortable shoes, etc. So you see, it's not just what you do, it's how you do it, and why.

I would nip this in the bud (excuse the sneaky pun) before it elevates to something worse. Granted, there are various levels of severity, such as someone hacking limbs off with a spoon, or someone slapping themselves silly, but either way, it's harm to one's self. If ever you are curious about whether something you're doing, is considered self-harm, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does it hurt?
2. Does it damage my body?
3. Do I do it when I am feeling negative emotions?

And remember: it is never OK to hurt yourself, even "superficially" (such as lighter forms of pinching, scraping, self-verbal abuse, etc), as a result of negative emotions or thoughts. Much in the same way I shouldn't seek reassurance for my OCD, you shouldn't play bubble-wrap with your body; they both seek only to strengthen the very problem itself, making it harder to deal with. You should tell your therapist about this pinching thing; it's important. The road you're going down, is a bad one, because you are inadvertently teaching your mind the association between pain/harm and negative thoughts/feelings. As my psychologist happily showed me today, our minds can be very flimsy; easily manipulated, given the right variables.

I went through a similar process, only for me, it was punching, which only led to worse. I taught myself that emotional pain, must therefore equal physical pain; this turned into habit, and eventually addiction, of which I happily kicked, without professional help, 4 or so years ago.

sounds like you are easily distracted.... I bet there are a number of people here who can relate to that. The idea that you are left with a "scar" is a bit concerning. That must be a hell of a pinch.

Do you have ADHD or some other issue?

[Bluenosette]

Thank you very much Zwangsstörung. That does help, and it makes sense.

Useless Me, Yes I am very easily distracted. I was recently diagnosed with PTSD, and am going through a bit of a difficult time at the moment. The pinching is a very new thing. It started last Spring. I even cut my nails as short as I could a couple nights ago, and now I'm just leaving little bruises. I suppose in a way that is a little better. I was diagnosed with ADHD in College, but never did anything about it as I don't believe I have it.

I am very ignorant about PTSD.... Clearly it is mighty harsh. Please know that I will add you in my prayers.

[Bluenosette]

Thank you. That is very thoughtful of you.

[HikingChick]

Like another member said it is a bit of a grey area but from my personal experience and what I know, if it (1.) Leaves a mark for more than a few minutes (ie scar), (2.) You are doing it to quit feeling something or to cause feeling of something than it is likely to be SI. Before I started cutting I would pitch my arm very hard and feel lots of pain when upset or angry and sadly it led to other behaviors in the future. Not saying that will happen with you but it is important to stay aware of why you are doing it. I too have a form of PTSD from several past traumas (which might trigger people so I wont get into it) and one of the reasons I used to harm myself was to stop the flashbacks and panic. Like someone else said it is worth mentioning to your therapist, they may be able to offer you some help in coping. Best of luck!