Self Cutting And Self Mutilation
What Makes Anorexics Cut Themselves?

Self cutting is form of self mutilation and self destructive behavior. As with anorexia and other eating disorders, the urge to cut one's self can be an expression of unresolved or conflicting emotions.

Self mutilation - (also known as self-harm or self abuse) - is a deliberate act of violence towards one's own body. It can result in serious damage to the skin or underlying tissues, and possibly cause infection. Sometimes there is permanent scarring.

When we think of someone cutting themselves, we assume that it's a suicide attempt and that the person wants to kill themselves. I can assure you that this is usually not the case. It is definitely a cry for help. Most people really do not want to die.

Self Cutting - If It's Not Suicide - Why Do People Cut Themselves?

The reasons why people engage in self cutting can vary greatly. Overall there are some common themes and experiences that might lead someone to self injury or self destructive behavior, but they are not usually related to thoughts of suicide, or truly wanting to die.

Most often it's a way of coping with emotions that have become unbearably painful - even too painful for words to effectively describe. Acting out in violence against the body seems to be the only form of release. Anorexia and starving oneself can also be seen as an act of violence.

I have a friend who once engaged in self cutting. When she told me what significance it had for her, she explained that it was a "distraction". The feelings going on inside her head were so overwhelming that the physical pain of self injury forced her to focus on something other than those debilitating emotions.

There are also those who experience harming behaviors as a form of self hatred - punishing themselves for not being "good enough" or perfect enough. Perfectionism runs high in the self harming population, as well as the eating disorders population.

A number of people who deliberately injure themselves have a history of physical or sexual abuse. Sometimes they come from otherwise dysfunctional families where alcoholism is present, or even neglect. No matter how you look at it, these are all terribly painful conditions in which to live.

Coping strategies are definitely needed, and if help is not available, people will resort to their own ways of coping, simply out of desperation.

Signs Of Self Injury, Cutting

The signs of self injury (cutting) are not always apparent because the act itself is so secretive. Sufferers will often cover themselves up - wearing long sleeves and pants, even in the warmest weather. This is very similar to anorexic behaviors where girls are known for wearing baggy clothes to hide their emaciated appearance.

People who cut themselves might also make excuses, saying they accidentally hurt themselves doing "such-and-such".

The reality is, most people who are injuring themselves this way are very ashamed of it. They think they if they reveal to others what they've been doing that they will be labeled as psychotic or crazy. They usually will not even trust in a therapist enough to confide for fear that will be locked up and put away.

The fear is very real, but they are not at fault. They are not crazy - they're everyday people, just like you and me, however, they've probably never been taught how to deal with excruciating emotional pain in a healthy way.

Self Mutilation - The Most Serious Form Of Self Cutting

The act of self cutting can escalate to different levels, the most serious being self mutilation. While all forms of self injury have the potential to leave marks or scars, mutilation results in permanent disfigurement, like the amputation of a limb. Thankfully, this is rare.

Other types of self injury include (but are not limited to):

• Skin picking - not allowing wounds to heal, making skin bleed
• Scratching and biting the skin
• Head banging or hair-pulling
• Burning - using candles, cigarette butts or lighters
• Cutting into the skin using any kind of sharp object
• Choking

When anorexia or other eating disorders are involved with self cutting, it becomes even more complicated. As an individual begins to limit, or even stop their self destructive behaviors, they may resort to extreme weight loss tactics, such as the abusing laxatives or diet pills.

It is imperative to seek professional help immediately.

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