Discussion Why is cutting viewed as a bad coping mechanism

[LostCauseLooknToCTB]

I am wondering because I see no reason why it is harmful, sure it can get infected but that doesn't happen as long as you keep it clean, scarring, well that fades with time and depending on where you do it they won't even be visible so why.

 

[Fktw0rld]

I don't think it's bad. I guess the only downfall of it is all the questions you'll have to answer and fake sympathy you'll have to endure when people see the cuts or scars. So yeah, I agree. It all comes down to visibility. Keep the sugar jar sealed and the ants won't be a problem.

 

[FuneralCry]

I guess that some people are just unable to understand that it's beneficial for other people, they associate pain with being something negative and they are pushing their feelings onto other people. Self harm has never been something I've done and it's not for me but I understand it helps other people cope with existing better.

 

[Catchingdabus27]

I guess bc in a sense it's harming yourself and in general society that's "wrong" I never understood the advice of like snapping a rubber band against your wrist or holding an ice cube. Both of those hurt and depending on your body type can leave physical damage (bruises or like circulation issues)

I guess it's about harm reduction. Im not sure tbh.

 

[90starve]

i use cutting as a "coping mechanism" - so i do have to say that it can cause some harsh consequences. cutting shallow with a clean blade is safe, but should you take it too far, medical intervention may be necessary.

my experience is being driven to A&E after cutting my lower inner calf with a razor blade. i could not walk on my own. the incision was roughly 1cm wide, 10cm long, and 1cm deep. i was injected multiple times with local anaesthetic, and 5 stitches were required to sew it back up. i was told by the medical team that i had almost severed an artery in my calf, and could've suffered immensely. the stitches caused a major irritation with my skin (an allergic reaction i think), which meant that the wound took several months to heal. i had difficulty walking for a long time, and everybody around me questioned it often. i was required to complete a mental health evaluation immediately afterwards, where they determined i was of medium risk - and an appointment with a mental health professional was scheduled.

i think it's important to highlight the dangers of cutting as well as the benefits.

 

[vitbar]

I know there is some debate over it in the psych community. A friend was in a residential treatment setting where it was permitted to a degree. Mostly because, while it wasn't seen as ideal, it was recognised as a coping mechanism that can only be stopped when better coping mechanisms are learned.