Self-Mutilation/"Cutting"

[Rhoni]

Have you ever, or do you know someone who "cuts"? Do you know why? Is it fatal? Is it chronic? Is it temporary?

Just curious,
Rhoni

[Brad Murphy]

You should have had extensive training on this, you tell us.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Brad Murphy

You should have had extensive training on this, you tell us.

Of course I do, just wanted to know what everyone else knows. Give it a few...

Blessings,
Rhoni

[Brad Murphy]

My wife is an LCSW also, I've heard her talk about it but do not understand why someone would do it... the stories I've heard are mind-boggling. The kids today are all screwed up.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Have you ever, or do you know someone who "cuts"? Do you know why? Is it fatal? Is it chronic? Is it temporary?

Just curious,
Rhoni

I don't "know" them per se, but as an EMT I have responded to calls from "cutters".

The ones I have responded to are very open with the fact that they are "cutters", and it did not look like suicide was the goal. Likely all of them were abuse victims, either current or past.

I think they see it as a deserved self depreciation.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Brad Murphy

My wife is an LCSW also, I've heard her talk about it but do not understand why someone would do it... the stories I've heard are mind-boggling. The kids today are all screwed up.

Brad,

There are as many adults, if not more, that "cut" than young people. This is not something that can be blamed on just being a young person. The only 'young person' thing that I see happening right now are those big plugs they put into their noses, lips, and ears, not unlike what I have read and seen missionaries show of African tribal cultures. This is not cutting.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Brad Murphy]

I can't vote... I know what it is but don't know anyone personally who does it (that I know of - since I know that people hide that they do it).

[Brad Murphy]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Brad,

There are as many adults, if not more, that "cut" than young people. This is not something that can be blamed on just being a young person. The only 'young person' thing that I see happening right now are those big plugs they put into their noses, lips, and ears, not unlike what I have read and seen missionaries show of African tribal cultures. This is not cutting.

Blessings, Rhoni

Her experience is more with teenagers so I assumed it was a teen thing. At least they aren't dong the plates in their lip or the rings around their necks yet!

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

I don't "know" them per se, but as an EMT I have responded to calls from "cutters".

The ones I have responded to are very open with the fact that they are "cutters", and it did not look like suicide was the goal. Likely all of them were abuse victims, either current or past.

I think they see it as a deserved self depreciation.

Stephen,

You are correct. Most people who 'cut' or self mutilate are 'stuffing' their feelings about something and the only relief they get from the emotional turmoil is by hurting themselves and watching the blood come out. Many have shared the fact that some of the emotion and tension is flowing out with the blood.

You are correct in saying they are not trying to 'commit suicide', but they are crying out for help. "ABUSE VICTIM" is a broad term. Let's narrow it down some.

I have to get two nieces ready for church so I will come back to this issues sometime later.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Tim Rutledge]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Have you ever, or do you know someone who "cuts"? Do you know why? Is it fatal? Is it chronic? Is it temporary?

Just curious,
Rhoni

My understanding is that they want to redirect the pain. They are in so much emotional turmoil, they cut themselves to temporarily stop that emotional pain, and make it a physical pain, with which they can deal with "better".