Arguably if you like it and don't care what others think there is nothing wrong with it. You already know all the counters to it like that there is risk of infection, it's habitual, there is social stigma, and it doesn't fix anything. If those things are not relevant to you then in the end it is your body, so you do what works for you.
I would have to agree with this. Of course I would like people not to do it, as we are already suffering mentally, and adding physical harm is not great, but if it gives you somekind of release, and you are trying to be mindful, looking for alternative release means, then what else can you do in the meantime.
Years ago before I found this forum and there was no one to relate to as a last resort hope, in trying to relief some pain I made 3 cuts on my forearm. It didn't help, made me feel nothing, no release, just the tingling. I then tried it again, 7 times, going as deep as I could because I thought I didn't go hard enough. Nothing, same tingling, slightly more pain when moving arm around due to broken skin.
Now I personally wish I didn't do it because I have scars which haven't healed years later, and I am conscious of wearing short sleeves. I don't care what people say, but world is judgemental, and I can't be bothered explaining to every individual, nor want someone at work making an unconscious decision which would impact my career negatively because of something they thought. I wouldn't have minded if I gained something from it, I would wear it as a battle scar. But I didn't gain anything.
