Why do people think cutting helps

People who cut may report that they feel better immediately after cutting, though they may feel regret hours later or in the following days. Cutting can feel like an addiction. A person may feel an overwhelming urge to harm themselves, particularly during times of emotional pain.

For some individuals, they feel temporary relief when they cut themselves and may then resolve to never do it again. However, the longer they go without cutting, the more the tension mounts, and the greater their desire to self-harm becomes. People from all demographic groups engage in self-harm.

However, research suggests it is more common among females and sexual minorities, such as gay, lesbian, or asexual individuals. Mental health diagnoses are more common among these groups, in general, which may help to partially explain why they are more likely to cut or engage in other types of self-harm.

A systematic review emphasizes that the behavior is more common among adolescents and young adults, often starting between the ages of 12 and 14 years old. People with mental health and intellectual disabilities may also be more vulnerable to self-harm.

For example, children with autism may bang their heads in frustration or anger. Depression and anxiety are also common among people who cut or self-harm.

Some people who self-harm have personality disorders , such as borderline personality disorder. A analysis found some common elements among hospitalized teens who self-harm:. 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. People who self-injure may attempt to conceal their marks, such as bruises, scabs or scars with clothing, and you may notice them wearing inappropriate clothing like long sleeves and pants in hot weather.

The diagnosis for someone who self-injures can only be determined by a licensed psychiatric professional. Self-injury behaviors can be a symptom other mental illnesses such as: personality disorders esp. The relationship between suicide and self-injury is complicated. While people with non-suicidal self injury do not intend to completed suicide, they may cause more harm than intended, which could result in medical complications or death.

In severe or prolonged cases of self-injury, a person may become desperate about their lack of control over the behavior and its addictive nature, which may lead them to true suicide attempts. If someone displays the signs and symptoms of self-injury, a mental health professional with self-injury expertise should be consulted.

An evaluation or assessment is the first step, followed by a recommended course of treatment to prevent the self-destructive cycle from continuing. Self-injury treatment options include outpatient therapy, partial-inpatient hours a day and inpatient hospitalization. When the behaviors interfere with daily living, such as employment and relationships, and are health or life-threatening, a specialized self-injury hospital program with an experienced staff is recommended.

Back to Self-harm. It's important to know that support is available for anyone who self-harms or thinks about self-harm, as well as their friends and family. It's best to speak to a GP about self-harm, but you may also find it helpful to speak to a free listening service or support organisation. If you need help now for a mental health crisis or emergency, read about where to get urgent help for mental health.

These services offer confidential advice from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:.

If you're under 19, you can also call to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.