Cutting

by Aurora (U)

Graphic by Ricardo A (M)

It's called many things -- self-inflicted violence, self-injury, self-harm, parasuicide, delicate cutting, self-abuse, self-mutilation (this last one particularly annoys people who self-injure).

Cutting is using a razorblade, knife, thumbtack, scissors, etc. to hurt yourself. You can even use the sharp edge of a soda can tab…anything that will break the skin and make you bleed. The most popular places for people to cut are their wrists, arms, legs, and stomach.

Many people start cutting themselves because it gives them a sense of relief. Cutting is also used as a way to cope with problems. Some do it because of failure, low self-esteem, problems at home, and other serious occurrences. Teens who hurt themselves often keep their feelings “bottled up” inside and have a hard time letting their feelings show. Cutting can relieve the tension from bottled up sadness or anxiety. Others hurt themselves in order to “feel.” Often people who hold back strong emotions begin feeling numb. Cutting can be a way to cope with this because it causes them to feel something. Some teens also may cut themselves because they want to fit in with others who do it.

Some people start cutting knowing that it is going to be long term. However, cutting is usually started with the cutter having the intention for it to be temporary. Many people find that once they start cutting, they like the way it makes them feel; they become addicted to it, unable to stop. Some people who cut realize that this is bad and try to stop on their own. If that doesn't work, the ones who really want to stop seek professional help.

If you do cut, or harm yourself in anyway, please please please get help. Many people say that they tried to stop cutting on their own, but it didn't work. Not wanting to get professional help, they still cut to this very day. That is the most annoying thing on this planet! If you really want to stop, there is no limitation to what you should do to get help.