[Daonnachd]

Why is self-injury treated so aggressively in the psychiatric world? I don't understand.
(I hope this question isn't breaking rules, but it's a pertinent question for me right now.)
Thanks for whatever insights you can offer.

[Coconutzo]

I'm curious about this too.


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I'm not sure I understand the question. Aside from trying to cut my wrists and having some starter cuts (I could never cut deeply) I've never self harmed. I imagine they see self injury as a possible precursor to suicide and that is why it's treated aggressively.

[Daonnachd]

Ok, to explain a bit more: The physical pain distracts me from the psychological. It's not a suicide attempt or even a practice run, just distraction from the agony. I don't see why my T should be bothered by the new cuts on my hands or arms.

Maybe they are afraid of infection or accidentally cutting too deeply?

By treating it aggressively, do you mean they will send you IP against your will for self injury alone? I don't know how I feel about it. If my son started cutting himself for relief, I would get him to a doctor ASAP.

I think Self injury is just something that you only truly understand, if you do it. Are you saying you are safe and should just be allowed to continue because you feel it doesn't cause real harm to anyone? That you own your body and can cut and scare it as you please? Do you feel held back by doctors?

[Daonnachd]

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

By treating it aggressively, do you mean they will send you IP against your will for self injury alone? I don't know how I feel about it. If my son started cutting himself for relief, I would get him to a doctor ASAP.

Good point. I would too.

I think Self injury is just something that you only truly understand, if you do it. Are you saying you are safe and should just be allowed to continue because you feel it doesn't cause real harm to anyone? That you own your body and can cut and scare it as you please? Do you feel held back by doctors?

I guess I believe that, yes, I am safe despite doing it. Held back by doctors? Well, only that they overreact.

[wildflowerchild25]

I have to say I felt the same way for many years. I've been self harming since I was thirteen so it's been a long time. I think, though, that there is always the potential to accidentally cut too deep, and that is what they are afraid of. It's happened to me several times. I've been seriously worried for my life a couple of times because of severity. Plus there's always the issue of possible infection and disease if you are using a dirty instrument (and honestly, who among us takes the time to sanitize instruments of self torture?).

It's been four month since I last self harmed and I intend to keep staying "clean" as it were. I'm just tired of it. I even got an elaborate tattoo to cover the scars on my arm and discourage future self harm.

That being said, it's like any other addiction - I miss it and if it were socially acceptable I would probably continue to do it. But it's not worth the hassle anymore.

[wildflowerchild25]

Also, it's a sign that you are in severe mental pain, and that also bothers people. No one I know cuts just for the hell of it, though I'm sure there are people like that out there. So I guess therapists take it as a sign that you are suffering and their inclination is to help you stop suffering.

It is an unhealthy coping mechanism. There are many better ways to deal.

[~Christina]

I have not self harmed in almost 4 years. (cutter) This is the longest I have ever gone, I self harmed practically all my life..

The reason most people harm is they usually deal with self loathing/ low self esteem, self punishment.

Self harm actually feels good while its happening because it releases endorphins so its like a "high" Hense why it is hard to stop. Who wants to stop something that feels good ? even if it doesn't last long.

The reason its a major issue is there are many people that self harm and either die from it hitting a major vein, Or from an infection.

What happens? Like a Haldol shot or restraints? I hope not, yikes. I've been hospitalized but never saw a situation about SI.

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[HALLIEBETH87]

I've made the mistake of self harming IP and I just wanted to be safe and feel better so I talked to a nurse about it. They put me in a camera room and on red band on line of sight precautions. For five days I couldn't leave the unit and had to be in their sight at all times ( yes even pottying and showering.) I couldn't go to my room alone until bed time.

But, I was safe and as much as I hated it I knew I would get better

[Daonnachd]

Originally Posted by rainyday107

What happens? Like a Haldol shot or restraints? I hope not, yikes. I've been hospitalized but never saw a situation about SI.

If not in hospital, it will get you hospitalised, at least with my health care team. If in hospital, I don't know. I have never seen it occur there. I would imagine staff would be very private about it, anyway.