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Cutting is one of the outward signs of deep inner distress, and comes under the heading of self-harm. It often arises when there seems to be no other way to communicate, no other way to cope with overwhelming emotional pain. It should be regarded as a cry for help, a way to release the pain, a way to go on living, somehow. Sadly, those who cut themselves often experience a deep feeling of shame, so people who are in need of help, often hide the cuts, the outward signs of that need. So the underlying causes provide the reasons as to why cutting is a part of someone's life.

CAUSES: A major cause is considered to be an emotional or physical trauma in childhood or young adulthood. This could have been physical violence, sexual or emotional abuse, separation, neglect, bullying, institutionalization, pressure, all these are contributary factors that result in emotional trauma. Such experiences erode self esteem and confidence and the person will bury the feelings, or even worse, blame themselves for what was not their fault.

Part of the problem lies in the absence of a trusted confidante or adult, and worse, the betrayal of trust by a loved or trusted adult. Other reasons for cutting include mental health issues, drug or alcohol abuse, debt or homelessness, stress and depression. In the case of young people, figures show that at least 10% of 15-16 years olds have cut themselves, probably due to pressures at school on within the family, or just from the pain of growing up. Though younger people are more likely to cut themselves, girls in particular, it emerges that many adults, such as working mothers, men in prison, people under major life pressures, who have in the past suffered trauma, or who are presently suffering, can and do cut themselves. Triggers such as memories, anniversaries, an offender's release from prison, a major life change, all can bring on the need to cut. It may only happen a few times, or it may become an addictive habit.

WHY CUTTING SEEMS TO HELP: Negative emotions and unbearable powerlessness seek to escape in some way. When there appears to be no other course of action open that offers relief, cutting helps.

It helps the individual to release pent-up emotions that seem to be drowning them. Feelings like anger, grief, fear, guilt, rage and lonliness, all the negatives, are released via the body, with that cutting. After all, as the blood oozes out of a cut, it is as though the pain is coming out in physical form. In another way, it serves as a

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