Cutting.
Cutting and other self-harming behaviors
are coping mechanisms in response to stress or anxiety,
depression, compulsive feelings, feelings of emptiness, or other
distressing emotions. The act of cutting releases endorphins,
producing calm relief or even euphoria. While not chemically
addictive, self-injury can be extremely difficult to stop simply
because it is so effective, despite its attendant risks and
overwhelming social stigma.
Self-harming behaviors are, by definition, NOT suicide attempts,
although cutting can result in serious infections or accidental
death - or more often, trips to the emergency room for
stitches.
A popular assumption is that most cutters are young women, often
with a history of psychological trauma, abuse, or loss. The
demographics of cutters are actually difficult to determine - in
part because, contrary to another common belief, most cutters go
to great lengths to conceal their behavior.
Female cutters often self-injure in less publicly visible areas,
such as their thighs, and/or wear jewelry, makeup, and clothing
meant to cover up their wounds. Some cutters who have many
obvious scars nonetheless are ashamed of their behavior and
won't admit to it if questioned. Cat scratches or shaving
cuts are common excuses.
A wider definition of self-injury includes, in addition to
self-burning, behaviors such as banging one's head, hitting
oneself, and scratching or pinching oneself, which are more
common than cutting among young people of both genders.
The demographics of cutting may be changing as the behavior is
more widely publicized. People who formerly practiced some of
these other less harmful behaviors may be tempted to experiment
with cutting. If they continue to do so, it is probably because
they find cutting to be satisfying or effective, NOT because the
behavior is or ever has been "trendy."
As for the association with emo music and culture, most (but not
all) cutters are young people, and many young people listen to
emo bands. In addition, people who are distressed are often
attracted to music that relates to what they are going through.
However, since most cutters conceal their behavior, it may be
only a small minority that vocally identifies with emo
culture.
The maliciously joking attitude that many people have toward
cutting may be due to the disgust, confusion, and horror that the
idea generally provokes. Becoming educated about cutting can
diminish those feelings and help to create a supportive attitude
toward friends and family members who struggle with
self-injury.
*This is not
mine.*
*JoeBro's format
8 faves · 2 comments · Jul 7, 2012 4:16pm
completeinhim
·
1 decade ago
This.
0
reply
_SpeakYourMind · 1 decade ago
I knoow..
0 reply