Bulletin Board Post

Addiction

What's Wrong with Cutting?

<div class="ExternalClass80C9D97F62AD40ED82CB924B84BA441C">Hi, I don't know how to say this correctly so I'll just be blunt, I do cut myself. What I don't understand is why it's so wrong? As long as you're not killing yourself a few scratches won't do anything except help you in the moment and then you get over it and feel better for a little while after. I know I probably sound horrible I guess I just don't understand what makes it so wrong they're just cuts like you get by skinning your knee or paper cut or getting scratched by an animal. As long as they aren't severe enough to kill you it doesn't sound that terrible to me. </div>

<div class="ExternalClassAEBD9A2798EE4DE8AB10D7933BFE949D"><div><div class="ExternalClass80C9D97F62AD40ED82CB924B84BA441C">We are glad you have come to our website tonight and are reaching out tonight. Your question about “cutting” is an excellent one, and a reasonable one. We are not making a moral comment or pointing any fingers here. Let’s just discuss coping skills in general. Sometimes, we can react to daily situations in ways that create stress and anxiety, which is actually the body’s response to the situation, perhaps preparing to take action. We have a multitude of feelings throughout the day. Sometimes, the situation allows for us to express them as they come, sometimes not. Or, perhaps we do not intuitively express our feelings. The human mind and body is not the best storage vessel for lots of emotions and feelings. If we do not find ways to express them, they can build up inside, to the point we feel a need to a release, get relief, or even numbness. Coping skills help to express our emotions, release some of the pressure building up inside. Self-enhancing coping skills such as exercise, meditation, art, music, reading, talking, or other hobbies can help release the built up pressure in a way the enhances ourselves. Self-defeating coping skills do not promote enhancing ourselves in other ways. Such things as alcohol and other drugs, self-harm, overeating, undereating may offer an easy, quick temporary relief, yet do not do anything to enhance ourselves, or address the issues in our life that need to be addressed. Also, they can be progressive in their habit forming need, in other words, needing more and more to get the same relief. <a href="/Pages/tip-99-coping-skills.aspx">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/tip-99-coping-skills.aspx</a> So, there is no judgement or shame here. Just encouragement to give some thought about how you want to go about dealing with the stress and the ups and downs of daily living. Try to be open to trying some new “self-enhancing” coping skills. They can be a fun and rewarding part of your life. We want you to know we are here for you. Sincerely, Larry – Counselor </div></div> </div>

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