Self-harm - why do it?

Jon

Administrator
Staff member
#1
I know of quite a few people who either self-harm or have done in the past. Apparently, a lot of young women have or do self-harm too, and I sense it is on the rise. When I was at school, I never even heard of such things, but then again I am a bit of a dinosaur nowadays.

Do you know of anyone who has self-harmed or have you done so yourself? If so, why do you do it? Can you describe the urge so others can understand what seems to be a counter-intuitive thing to do?
 

Insane_AI

Founding Member
#2
It has been explained to me that it serves to relieve emotional pain by providing physical pain as a mental focus and exercise of control over something. It is an act of desperation.
 

FiFi

Founding Member
#3
I totally agree with Insane-Al because I have self harmed in the past, pouring boiling water on myself and cutting. Yes the physical pain distracts from mental pain, but then you end up being in physical pain which makes mental pain worse! It's a very vicious circle!
 
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