Cutting? Self-mutilation? This is a genuine question - I don't understand.?

Question

"Cutting" seems to be rather common these days. But when did it begin and how? And why "cutting"? Hear me out, please: I know some people also burn themselves with cigarettes, candles, whatever. Why not "crushing" - in which one crushes finger tips, toes, whatever with pliers? Or "breaking" - in which one breaks their own fingers, toes, whatever. Or "pulling" - in which one pulls out their own hair?
What is the psychology behind one's chosen mutilation vs. some unchosen form or mutilation.
I'm just curious as to why one form of mutilation and not another.

Answer 1

Well two things, self mutilation, especially cutting is generally used more as a way of getting attention then an actual abuse of the body. Scars are noticeable, they can be hidden but finding the evidence of cutting is much easier then finding the evidence of "bashing" or "pulling" in most cases. Many cutters hope that someone will notice their self-abuse and seek them out.



Cutting is also used as a measure of control. Those who cut tend to not feel as if they are in control of the situation their life is in. So cutting is a way of releasing tension and sorrow in a way that they can directly control.

Answer 2

Cutting is easy to do and satisfying. People do it because...well, it's kinda like when you get so mad or angry or upset that you just wanna punch a wall. Well, instead of that, people cut or burn themselves. Some do punch walls. Some throw things, some go excersizing, some pig out on food, some turn to drugs or alcohol....it's just another coping mechanism.



The other mutilations you listed are way too drastic.

Answer 3

With some people, it's about self-stimulation and control over something as simple as a feeling of pain. It is considered harmful on any level, and is usually the sign of underlying problems, usually related with depression.

It isn't as drastic as breaking, crushing, etc., because the intent is not large amounts of pain, but rather a fairly small, controlled amount; more drastic cases of self-injury like that are usually indicative of pathological problems, like schizophrenia or other severe mental illness.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

It's a coping mechanism, though not a good one. Just as people who choose healthy ways to cope prefer different methods, those who choose unhealthy ways choose what helps them most. Cutting may be easier for the person to perform as well, since people get cut by one thing or another often enough for them to know how it feels and whether they can deal with it.

Answer 5

cutting can be calming



I don't think breaking your toes is very calming

also cutting yourself you can make words pictures and patterns



agree with what others said crushing and breaking is extreme and can have more serious implications, most small cuts will heal themselves over time



I believe that cutting can be about control, about hurting yourself can give less power to others who may hurt you

Cutting with a tool can be precise which goes with the whole control thing

Answer 6

There really is no answer to this questions...just different opinions. Of course thats also my opinion. I find it impossible to pinpoint why people do the things they do, or chose to hurt themselves the way they do. I cut or burn because it is easier to do and easier to hide.

Answer 7

we do it cause we feel so much pain in our lives that when you cut your self you can't feel the pain of that trust me i've done it before okay and honestly the only thing thats stopping me from doing it right now is the fact im to tired to get my pocket knife okay we go through enoug **** everday that we have no other way of dealing with it a therapist won't help meds won't help nothing helps

Answer 8

IDK. Sometimes I pull out hairs from my dred locks if a piece of hair is longer than the rest, but I didn't know it was a mutilation.

Answer 9

ha ha i don't know good question