Have you ever seen someone you know well or maybe even a stranger and noticed small incisions on their skin, particularly around their wrists? Have you ever thought about why someone would take a razor blade or some other sharp object to “mark” their skin?
Research has actually shown that the cutting of the skin could be a way of releasing emotional pain. In a clinical setting and in the Guyana scenario, there are many persons who cut themselves on their wrists or other parts of their bodies. When asked if they do it because they want to die, they are likely to respond by saying that it is a way of releasing their emotional pain or as a coping mechanism when things become “tough.” So, while some people may cut themselves for attention, others with deeper rooted psychological challenges cut as a way to soothe their pain. In fact, cutting is known as “non-suicidal self-injury” and often persons who engage in this type of self-harm would rarely want to harm others. These persons believe that because their “suffering” is too much to bear, by cutting, there is some “alleviation” of that pain and suffering.
As previously mentioned, people cut to release emotional pain. The thinking is that physical pain will reduce the emotional pain. After a while, this can become an addictive practice and it isn’t uncommon to see someone with new cuts on top of old scars. This indicates that they have grown used to cutting.
According to studies, people who cut are also likely to be harder on themselves than people who do not cut. It is possible that they believe they are not worthy or “good enough” and some may even “carve” the things they think about themselves into their skin.
There are also some people who may cut to feel physical pain and may actually derive pleasure from doing so. This may be due to more troubling psychological challenges.
It is important to note that tattoos and body piercings do not fall into the category of self-harm or body mutilation, except where there is a compulsion to keep piercing or “tattooing” the skin.
It is clear that cutting has more to do with bottled up emotions and as an outlet for releasing those emotions rather than wanting to kill one’s self.
If you’re a cutter or you know someone who cuts and wants it to stop, here are some things you can try:
● Identify all triggers that make you want to cut yourself; once you have identified them you will try to find healthy ways of coping. Every time you feel the urge to cut, play music, go jogging, write in a journal or simply cry. The idea here is to find a healthy way of releasing your emotions. Bottling them up is exactly what is causing you to physically harm yourself.
● If you’re addicted to cutting and you think the previous tips won’t work for you, then try placing ice on your wrist until it burns or if the sight of blood is what gives you relief, use a red marker to make “cut like” marks on your skin . You should still try to incorporate at the same time some form of healthy coping mechanism as previously highlighted.
● Finally, if it is now beyond your control, visit a mental health professional to discuss the way forward. Talk therapy will likely be the most effective form of therapy in this case.
Alicia Roopnaraine is a Psychologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Psychiatric Department. You can send questions or comments to her at aliciaroopnaraine@gmail.com
