Is it normal to think about cutting

After suffering physical and verbal abuse at the hands of her older brother, she cut herself from ages 11 to People who cut often describe a specific type of high, relief, connectedness, or sense of calm. The euphoria Brandy describes may be attributed to endorphins the body releases when we get injured. Sinh explains. Another woman we spoke to, Ariel, 21, started cutting when she was 17 years old. I cut myself because I was bored. I justified my reasons and came up with excuses because I loved it.

An NPR article reports that cutting dates back to ancient Greece as a coping mechanism. Researchers also agree that rates of NSSI have increased over the last decade and a half , but studies on the topic are somewhat new and rates are hard to assess. Cutting can also affect younger children. Although Penny hid her own wounds and scars, her daughter began cutting a few years ago at age Movies and television shows may also play a role in the possible increased rate of cutting.

Their portrayals may spread the idea that this is normal behavior. Although she knows everyone who cuts is different, Ariel says shows and movies rarely create an accurate picture of what self-harm is like. The stereotype on film and television depicts a troubled white suburban teen girl crying out for people to notice. This also bothers Flora, 18, who always took precautions to hide her cuts and now her scars.

The reasoning behind this, according to an NPR article, is to differentiate self-harm methods like cutting from suicide attempts because the treatments for the two are very different. This is where therapy can be beneficial and help people working through personal issues to determine what cutting means to them.

In the event of an emergency, your local hospital may require an evaluation at a psychiatric emergency room to ensure your safety. Jennifer Chesak is a Nashville-based freelance book editor and writing instructor. These pages will tell you a bit about us as well as pointing you in the right direction if you need to contact us or find out more about our policies and procedures. Young Minds - www. Driven by their experiences we campaign, research and influence policy and practice.

Helpful telephone numbers include:. Order this publication This booklet aims to help you understand more about self-harm and what to do if you are worried about yourself or someone else. Introduction Self-harm is very common and affects more people than you might think. With the right help and support most people who self-harm can and do fully recover.

What is self-harm? The self-harm cycle Self-harm usually starts as a way to relieve the build-up of pressure from distressing thoughts and feelings.

Who does it? Most young people reported that they started to hurt themselves around the age of Some factors that might make someone more at risk are: Experience of a mental health disorder.

This might include depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders. Why do people self-harm? Some of the reasons that young people report as triggers or reasons that lead them to self-harm include [14]: difficulties at home arguments or problems with friends school pressures bullying depression anxiety low self-esteem transitions and changes, such as changing schools alcohol and drug use. Breaking Down The Myths There are lots of myths attached to self-harm.

Getting Help Should I tell someone? Talking to someone is often the first step to getting out of the cycle. Who can I talk to? Young people told us that they have been able to talk to: friends family someone at school, such as a trusted teacher, school nurse or pastoral care staff a youth worker their GP or healthcare professionals such as a counsellor or nurse charities and helplines some of which are listed below.

What help is available for me? How can I stop harming myself? Get some play-dough: stretch it or squeeze it to relieve tension. Hit a pillow or cushion to vent your anger and frustration. Have a good scream into a pillow or cushion.

Take a minute and breathe or meditate. Go for a walk to take yourself away from triggers. Being in a public place gives you the time and space to reduce the urge to hurt yourself. Make lots of noise, either with a musical instrument or just banging on pots and pans.

Scribble on a large piece of paper with a red crayon or pen. Call a friend or family member and talk to them. Do something creative: make a collage of colours to represent your mood or to remind you of your favourite things.

Listen to music you like or watch a film you enjoy. Go online and look at self-help websites. Talk to someone about what is triggering you or seek help from a professional.

Talk to someone When you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to a friend, family member or trusted adult. Avoid alcohol and drugs We often drink alcohol or take drugs to change our mood or to avoid our feelings. Do something you enjoy Remember that there is more to you than self-harm. I am worried about someone else If you are worried that someone you know is self-harming, it is important to know what to look out for and what to do.

Signs to Look Out For It can be difficult to tell whether someone is self-harming. Here are some signs that might suggest someone could be self-harming [32]: Withdrawal or isolation from everyday life. Signs of depression such as low mood, tearfulness or a lack of motivation or interest in anything.

Changes in mood. Changes in activity and mood, e. Talking about self-harming or suicide. Abusing drugs or alcohol. Expressing feelings of failure, uselessness or loss of hope. Risk taking behaviour substance misuse, unprotected sexual acts. Signs of low self-esteem such as blaming themselves for any problems or saying they are not good enough. Unexplained cuts, bruises or marks. Covering up all the time, when in hot weather.

Being quieter than usual. Lacking energy. What to do if you are worried about someone If you are worried that someone you know is self-harming, it can be difficult to know what to do. Some tips for talking to someone about self-harm [34]: Set plenty of time aside to talk to them where you will be free from interruption.

If possible, remove distractions such as computers and phones being on. This will allow you to give your full attention, letting them know you are there to listen to and support them. Instead talk about how they are feeling and what they are going through.

Try not to react shocked or disgusted. Know your limits: the person who has experienced self-harm might tell you to keep it a secret and not to tell anyone else. If you believe they are in immediate danger or have injuries that need medical attention, you need to take action to make sure they are safe.

Reassure them that you are there for them and that there are lots of sources of support available to them. You might not understand what they are going through or why they do it but remind them you are there for them regardless.

Furthermore, this may stop them talking to you and you might not get the chance to discuss the topic again. Offer them help in seeking professional support and provide information on ways to do this. You might want to offer to go the GP with them, or help them talk to a trusted adult or family member.

Try not to take control and allow them to make decisions. Be positive and let them know that things will get better and recovery is possible! You can also get more information or support through the websites below: SelfHarm. Some websites that have been recommended to us by young people include: www.

International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 24 6 , BMJ — PSHE Association Brain, K. The psychophysiology of self-mutilation: Evidence of tension reduction.

Archives of Suicide Research. The Lancet , Whitlock J Self-injurious behaviour in adolescents. Deliberate self-harm in adolescence. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Nitkowski, D. Non-suicidal self-injury and comorbid metnal disorders: a review. Fortschr Neural Psychiatr, 79 1 , Paul, T. American Journal of Psychiatry, 3 , Department of Health Preventing suicide in England: A cross-government outcomes strategy to save lives.

Liu, R. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 42 3 , Royal College of Psychiatrists Self-harm, suicide and risk: self-harm. College Report, CR Hawton, K. This data suggest that trouble regulating emotions and controlling impulses may increase the risk of self-harm in people who experience depression, especially if they feel disinterested in life.

Self-harming is highly treatable. Medications can help control the emotions that trigger the impulse to self-harm. Some people achieve good results with antidepressants. Most, however, need therapy.

Therapy offers a healthy outlet for intense emotions and can help a person establish better skills for coping. A systematic review emphasizes that researchers have not thoroughly studied various therapeutic techniques for treating cutting. People who self-harm may need immediate treatment for their injuries. When a person has scars or severe burn marks, they may seek cosmetic surgery and other treatments to reduce the appearance of these injuries and avoid probing questions.

It might seem like self-harm is a choice, but for people struggling with cutting, the impulse can be overwhelming. Shaming, blaming, or making the person feel guilty may not help. Because these strategies can intensify painful emotions, they may even make the cutting worse. Parents who are worried about a child or young person should find ways to create a safe environment without being punitive or needlessly controlling.

Read more about how to stop cutting or stop someone else cutting here. People who self-harm may also be at a higher risk of suicide, and the risk factors for both are very similar. Many people with both suicidal thoughts and a history of self-harm report unbearable and unmanageable emotions. Cutting is not a choice but a sign of extreme distress. Treatment can help, while shame, anger, and judgment will not.

Cutting is a type of self-harm. Although it can be a challenging habit to break, there are many ways to prevent yourself or others from cutting. Suicide is preventable with the right treatment and support. Learn about the warning signs and risk factors for suicide in this article.

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