Cutting/Self-Mutilation
Cutting/Self-Mutilation -The New Eating Disorder!
What is Cutting/Self-Mutilation?
Cutting/self-mutilation can come in many forms, such as: cutting, burning, biting, hitting or bruising oneself, picking/pulling hair, amputating body parts (such as fingers, toes, skin). It has been coined the new Eating Disorder. Over 50% of people who self-mutilate were abused as children. Also, nearly 50% who self-mutilate attempt suicide sometime in their lives. This is not a passing fad, the number of people who cut and self-mutilate continues to grow.
The people most affected:
- Teenage females (they seem to make up the highest percentage of those suffering with this disorder);
- Those who have a poor sense of self;
- Those who have been sexually abused;
- Those who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder;
- Those with Dissociative Disorder (often associated with sexual abuse issues).
Why do they do it?
It becomes an instant way to experience relief, it triggers the body's natural biochemical response to pain using endorphins released as the body's natural pain killer. Some of the reasons given by self-mutilators:
“It is a way to feel something”
“It feels good”
“I stop thinking about what was bothering me for the moment”
Some people hide their scars with long sleeves while others may display them as a way to reach out for help.
Treatment
If you know someone who is cutting or self-mutilating, they need help! Cutting and Self-mutilation is not something to be ignored, an individual can do irreversible damage to themselves or create life threatening consequences.
The prognosis can be good for those who have a strong support system and are able to find other creative and verbal ways of expressing their emotions.