Self-Mutilation

Self-Mutilation Self-Mutilation is a form of negative coping. Many young people in today’s society have turned to this self-inflicted treatment. The following are the most common forms of self-mutilation: cutting; burning; punching hard objects to inflict pain; hair pulling; and picking scabs and old wounds. There are other ways that a person self-mutilates; however, the forms stated have been found to be the most popular. Cutting is most often seen in female teenagers and is the number one form of self-mutilation. There are some teens that have serious depression problems and some that simply do as their fellow peers. Why do people cut to cope' “Cutters” cut themselves because it is a momentary release. The physical pain that the cut produces takes away from the emotional pain that the individual has. Some cut very lightly, just to rid their emotions. But there are others that need more. They may cut their entire body because after the rush from the pain is over, the emotions come back. Self-mutilation does not mean suicide. Many self-injurers have no intention of dying, but sometimes their ‘cuts’ go too deep. Self-mutilation is an addiction. A person can get can get addicted to turning to self-mutilating when they are upset and not ever cope with their problems in a healthy way. Some even stop being able to cry. Crying is a very healthy way of coping. This natural action of releasing emotion is replaced with self-inflicted pain. Signs Those who inflict pain on themselves usually hide it from the world. Some are easier to spot out than others. If an individual seems very unsocial and depressed, they may have this problem (however, not all depressed individuals use this form of coping). One of the major signs of self-mutilation is when a person tries to hide parts of their body that are generally shown. For instance, cutters may wear long sleeve shirts in the middle of summer. They may also wear an excessive amount of bracelets to cover the scars on their arms. Some may not care if people see their scars. Many of times these individuals are revealing their scars as a cry for help. They want someone to see the scars so that someone will ask them about them. Treatment There is no specific treatment for self-mutilation. Some simply grow out of it. But there are some who have a depression problem and seek medical treatment. Anti-depressants and therapy are generally used in this case. Self-mutilation can take years to overcome. Because it is known as an addiction, it takes some up to ten years to quit. Talking to close friends or family members is one healthy way of treatment. If there is no one that you feel close enough to talk about these problems, writing in a journal may help release your emotions If you think that you know someone with this problem there are ways to help. First, you have to realize that the person is going through things that you don't understand. Keep an open mind and don't be judgmental. You shouldn't say "Oh that's stupid" or anything negative; this will only push them away. Ask them why they do it. See if there is anything you could do for them. Tell them to talk about what is going on and what makes them do this to them self. Remember to actively listen to what they are saying. Don't interrupt them by turning the conversation to yourself. They need to talk, so let them. If talking doesn't help, discuss professional help that they can seek. You may save someone's life by doing this.