Cutting

What is Cutting?

To define the term for the purposes of this article, cutting is the act of breaking the skin with a sharp object, such as a razor blade or knife.

Why would anyone purposely cut themselves? The reasons vary. Some individuals simply wish to create lasting artwork on their flesh or mark a significant moment in their lives, while others cut themselves because they find the sensation of pain pleasurable. Yet there are other people who cut their skin in an act of self-injury or self-punishment, and this is where the term "cutting" is most often used to define an act of self-abuse.

Mental health professionals explain this type of self-abuse as a "coping mechanism" used by individuals who are unable to deal with strong emotions in a healthy way. For them, cutting is a way to release these built-up emotions, much like a pressure release valve. In some cases, "cutters", as practitioners are referred to, suffer from a deep state of depression, feeling almost numb to the world around themselves, and some cutters have described the pain of the wounds as making them feel "more alive". Unfortunately, this effect is only temporary, so the act is repeated, eventually becoming a compulsive behavior for many.

It's generally thought that many people who inflict wounds upon themselves suffered from previous abuse by others--sometimes from a parent or a spouse.

Cutters usually try to hide the evidence of their self-abuse, wearing clothing to conceal the injuries, so it's difficult to know when someone is doing this to themselves unless they choose to reveal it. This makes it difficult for a cutter to seek help or for anyone else to try to help them.

Is cutting a warning sign for potential suicide, a cry for help? Sometimes but not always. However, any form of self abuse might be considered a sign of mental or emotional distress, and as such should be brought to the attention of a mental health professional who is qualified to determine if treatment is in order.

How is Scarification Different?

Scarification employs cutting skin as a tool to create permanent scars on the skin, but that is where any similarities between the practices end.

Scarification has been practiced by mankind for centuries, but the goals of the practice are quite different from self-punishment. Ancient cultures, and even some cultures to this day, put great religious significance on scarification, using it to show dedication to a certain God or to distinguish religious rank. Some types of scarring are even believed to give the bearer spiritual/magical protection from injury or other evils.

Scarring has also frequently been performed as a means of identifying an individual to a certain tribe or group and to mark a child's coming of age. In many cases, scarring is considered to make the bearer more beautiful, and in some cultures, an individual wouldn't be considered for marriage without it.

The common thread through these scarification practices is that they have been performed with a specific goal to benefit the bearer in some way. People who practice scarification are generally proud to show off the marks, not usually seeking to hide them the way cutters typically do.

Summary

Although one form or another of cutting is practiced by many people throughout the planet, it's the purpose behind the practice that defines whether or not it's self-abuse.

External Links

• Focus Adolescent Services, a collection of counseling and therapy resources.