Cutting
Most people have heard of cutting, but many don’t know that it is often linked to other emotional disorders.
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
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About Cutting
Cutting is the act of intentionally inflicting harm on oneself, usually without suicidal intent. While the term is often used broadly, cutting is really only one form of what is known as “self-injurious behavior” or “non-suicidal self-injury.” Other types of self-injury include scratching, burning, ripping or pulling skin or hair, swallowing toxic substances, self-bruising, and breaking bones. While cutting may occur on any part of the body, it is most common on the hands, wrists, stomach, and thighs.Not everyone who cuts does so for the same reasons. Some people report overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or emotional numbness to be common triggers. Other reasons include a need to feel in control; relieve stress; create visible and treatable wounds; purify one’s body; reenact a trauma in an attempt to resolve it; or protect others from one’s emotional pain.
Although cutting is rarely meant as a suicide attempt in and of itself, it is not uncommon for people who cut to think about suicide. Cutting is frequently linked to childhood abuse (especially sexual abuse), depression, anxiety, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, and substance abuse problems. Regardless of the cause, self-injury may best be understood as an unhealthy coping mechanism.
People who cut can frequently hurt themselves more than intended, sometimes so badly that they require medical attention. Also, people who share instruments used for cutting increase their risk of infection from viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
Dealing with Cutting
Cutting is a way for some people to cope with their emotions or outside stressors. It is important to realize that cutting is a sign of significant distress and that seeking help is crucial for this and other reasons. Treatment for cutting focuses on enhancing people’s awareness of the stressors that trigger cutting and on helping them identify, practice, and use more productive and positive means of coping.
Resources
Help is often available on or around campuses through the following resources:- Student counseling center
- Student health service
- Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty
- Campus religious or spiritual leader
- Community mental health center
- Local crisis center or hotlines
United States:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services.
Helpline: (800) 273-8255 (TALK)
International:
Samaritans
Provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide – in the United Kingdom and in many other regions around the world
For further information:
S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends)
Nationally recognized treatment approach, professional network, and educational resource base, which is committed to ending self-injurious behavior.
Helpline: (800) 366-8288 (DONTCUT)
Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults
A center of research on self-injurious behaviors.
Mental Health America
Dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families.
Helpline: (866) 615-6464
