To most of us, it seems a very shocking thing to learn that people actually cut themselves on purpose. It seems so foreign to our concept of retreating from pain. And yet, when a person chooses to cut himself (or herself), most often that is exactly what they are doing-trying to stop the pain.
The emotional pain that they are feeling is so overwhelming, that cutting themselves actually relieves the mental anguish. More and more teens are turning to self injury as a means of coping with psychological pain that they can't find a release for in any other way. The pain and bleeding from physical wounds is a way to vent the torment and agony of emotional distress. Many adolescents (and others) prefer the pain of cutting, to the pain of a broken heart. Cutting has been described as "a bright red scream."
People who cut will use a sharp object, such as a razor blade, a piece of glass, a knife, a pen, a file, or even the pull-tab off of a soda can. They will cut through the skin until it bleeds, and will normally cut their wrists, thighs, stomach, or arms. Tragically, while this behavior often originates in the teen years, it can often continue into the adult years, becoming an addictive behavior. What begins impulsively, can become a compulsive behavior. It becomes a predictable way of dealing with the pressures and stresses of life, and it can be a difficult thing to stop.
There is often shame and secrecy associated with cutting, though some people don't try to hide the cuts, as they may be a way of screaming for help.
Cutting is generally not a suicide attempt, though in time, the overwhelming feelings of depression could lead to that. Quite frequently, people are not aware of how seriously they can harm themselves, through a dangerously placed cut, nor are they aware of the serious infections that can sometimes occur.
Interestingly, girls cut more than boys, though boys also engage in the behavior. When feelings become too painful to endure, they will cut in an attempt to interrupt, or momentarily end their emotional turmoil.
On the other hand, some teens have shut off their feelings, to the point of emotional numbness, and they will cut, to see if they can still feel anything. They just want to reassure themselves that they are still alive.
Cutters describe their actions as a form of controlling their emotional pain. When they cut, they can see exactly where it hurts, and watching the bleeding gives them a focus for the source of pain. When the inner pain becomes intolerable, the outer pain brings a strange feeling of relief. That is how the cutting becomes addictive-that short lived relief, and the calming affect that it has, becomes connected with the act of cutting. With so many things out of control in their lives, cutting is something that they can control. It is a way to cope with pain, frustration, depression, anger, and stress.
Adolescence is a time of many stresses, and a teen may be struggling with other compulsive behaviors, mental health concerns, relationship problems, pressure to achieve in school, and drug and alcohol problems. Others may be dealing with deep issues like depression, anorexia, or bulimia. Still others have found cutting to be a dramatic way to achieve reassurance that they are loved, but generally this is not a manipulative act. It is most often a cry for help.
Many of those who engage in self-injury have been found to be low in Serotonin, which helps to control and regulate aggression and impulsive acts.
Of great concern is the fact that cutting can be initiated by peer pressure. Cutting sometimes takes place in groups, or in relationships.
It takes a lot of courage for a cutter to admit that they indulge in the behavior. Most people are secretive, and afraid and ashamed to tell anyone. When it is discovered, many require professional help in order to stop, though some are able to quit on their own. Others are able to quit for a short time, and then resume cutting when the pressure and stress returns. It is important that a person learns how to deal with the emotional pain and anger that started the cutting. Cutters need someone they can call for support, when the urge to cut becomes overwhelming.
Open communication is important-not accusing and blaming. A therapist will often be able to listen, and teach better coping methods. Many cutters are victims of childhood sexual abuse, or other traumatic situations.
One thing is for sure, a cutter is hurting badly, and needs emotional support and help, in order to face the difficulties of life.
Sources: http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/cutti ng.html
http://safety.amw.com/family/helping-your-tee n-cope-with-depression
http://specialchildren.about.c om/od/mentalhealthissues/a/cutting.htm
http://private school.about.com/cs/students/a/teensuicide_3.htm
http ://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/familyresources/a/selfi njury.htm
http://bpd.about.com/od/selfinjuriousbehavi or/p/Self_harm.htm
http://bpd.about.com/od/selfinjuri ousbehavior/a/UWresearch.htm