Is cutting THAT bad?

lucine · Jan 25, 2014, 04:21 PM

I miss cutting...It is the only way I can puke out my emotions...Of course I avoid hitting an artery. I just blind myself with the physical pain. My mom screamed at me when she saw my scars...ugh. telling me I'll go to hell for doing such things.

smmath · Jan 26, 2014, 12:32 AM

I truly believe that cutting is bad. There are a plethora of other coping methods and ways to release emotions that don't involve hurting yourself. Is there someone you can talk to about your SI?

Idiot17 · Jan 26, 2014, 08:10 PM

Don't see why it is. each does what they need to do to that allows them to get by.

reesecups · Jan 26, 2014, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idiot17

Don't see why it is. each does what they need to do to that allows them to get by.

I know this probably isn't a popular belief. But cutting is a coping mechanism, just like any other addiction. I wouldn't promote an unhealthy coping mechanism to anyone. No matter what it was. Have you not had personal consequences from SI? I have. And I wish someone would have taught me how to cope without scarring and hurting myself.

Idiot17 · Jan 27, 2014, 06:18 AM

Nope, i haven't had any consequences. As i said we do what we need to, to survive.

reesecups · Jan 27, 2014, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idiot17

Nope, i haven't had any consequences. As i said we do what we need to, to survive.

Umm, you and I do it not because we need to, but because we are addicted to it and choose, because of our addiction, to relieve our pain that way. Equating cutting with needing to survive, maybe that's how you feel, but it's unhealthy. I wouldn't tell someone who is in pain to drink when they want when they're in pain. Or to do drugs. Like any addictions there are consequences and I know I have them.

I wouldn't promote this type of thing on anyone. In the end, it's their choice, but I think helping them through their pain or possible alternatives is better than promoting this. JMHO

SoupDragon · Jan 27, 2014, 07:30 AM

I guess it depends how you look at it / who you ask. A big philosophical question!

I don't believe that you will go to hell though.

It has served me well at times of crisis, but sometimes I wish that I knew different ways of coping with my overwhelming feelings.

The_little_didgee · Jan 27, 2014, 08:03 AM

Self injury isn't ideal, but people will do what they have to do to cope. I urge you to find alternatives.

I tried this when I was a teenager after a fellow patient in an adolescent psychiatric unit showed me how to do it. She proudly showed me her "work" and gave me tips and what tools to use. The things she suggested did not help me. All it did was isolate me from people and the mental health professionals, who saw it as a form of manipulation.

My experimentation with this never became an addiction. It was an episodic thing that lasted for about 2 years. The physical pain the act caused and the social isolation was enough for me to give it up.

Jan 27, 2014, 08:27 AM

It turned into a total addiction for me. I couldnt stop, there were many times I was cut wherever my clothes would cover. It took a lot of effort and work to stop it, over years. Now I have ugly scars all over me and little growths and cysts that I have been told were caused by "skin trauma". I need to go under the knife to get them removed, which means more scars.

There are heaps of better coping strategies, its hard but you have to choose to do them, even choosing benzos is safer than choosing SI. Have you tried holding ice? Snapping an elastic band around your wrist? A very cold shower? Distraction is my absolute best strategy, If I cant concentrate, I chat online. Theres a ton more coping strategies you could choose but Im not going to type the lot out right now.

Jan 27, 2014, 09:20 AM

I think the answer is: DEPENDS.

1) Is the cutting life threatening? If so - it must stop.
2) Is the cutting leaving permanent damage? If so - it must stop.
3) Is the cutting preventing the person from doing *worse* damage to themselves. Then I think it is acceptable IF coupled with therapy.
4) Is the cutter me? Then it is always acceptable (IE I am a hypocrite)

Rzay4 · Jan 27, 2014, 10:55 AM

Yes cutting is bad especially if you have scars. Think about people besides your mother seeing your scars. Constantly asking what happened or why you would do it. Cutting isn't the best way to cope.

Jan 27, 2014, 11:01 AM

that is why you cut where people can not see...........

reesecups · Jan 27, 2014, 11:26 AM

Where would the place be that wasn't obvious if you have a significant other? Certain medical procedures? I cut on my stomach to hide it, but I have no SO. I've been very lucky with doctors. Only a few have seen them.