This
condition seems very unusual to most people; however, it is actually a common
condition. It mainly occurs in teenage girls,
but no one is immune.
What is
Cutting About?
This
illness affects 1 out of every 12 teen girls either now, or has in the past cut
themselves, that is an astonishing number. So why, you must wonder, does anyone purposely take a sharp object and
cut themselves open. Well, it may seem
very strange but in some cases, it makes the person cutting feel better.
The reasons
people cut themselves varies depending on the person doing the cutting-
- Some
people cut themselves for the attention it brings them. The highest group of this type, based on
studies, seems to be young teens that have a sibling with a disability, or a
serious illness. It's easy to understand
the healthy sibling may feel left out at times, and when you consider it, what
gains attention? Sickness or physical injury.
- To
relieve depression. This is the most
common reason that teen girls cut themselves, it actually does release
endorphins. It's not easy being a teen,
with tons of peer pressure, and expectations, not to mention school work, life
can be overwhelming. Cutting, and
letting the area bleed can make some people feel relieved, better. Of course, the feeling from the immediate but
temporary endorphins does not last, so in many cases the person assumes the
only option is to cut again thus leading to a vicious and dangerous cycle.
- A
guilt complex can be a very strong emotion, and for some people cutting their
body as a form of self-mutilation is a punishment they feel they deserve. It hurts, so in essence they feel they have
received some payback for anything they have done wrong.
Dangers of
Cutting
There are
multiple dangers of this fairly popular trend, and they should be
recognized.
- A
person using a razor blade to cut their own skin may assume they know exactly
where to cut and bleed, but not be seriously injured. The problem is, they are not always
right. A patient that hits the wrong
spot could bleed to death before receiving help. A 17-year-old girl cut her upper bicep so
that the cut would be hidden under her sleeves.
The problem was, she cut an artery, and after cutting herself, and laying
down, she bled to death in her own bed.
- Infection
is a strong possibility with multiple cuts. Patients often don't realize there is a problem until they learn their
blood count indicated infection. When a
doctor confronts a patient regarding the multiple and obviously self-inflicted
cuts, the patient is usually very defensive and insulted. Many people in a situation where their doctor
confronts them will simply change medical providers. Using a razor for multiple cuts can increase
the risk of contamination and increase the likelihood of infections.
Recognizing
a Cutter
The best way to help a person that is hurting
themselves is to obviously stop them. In
most cases, they will not stop until confronted, and receiving help. Once confronted the patient will hopefully be
receptive to accepting help for their addiction.
- Patients
that choose to wear long sleeves and long pants, even in very warm weather, may
be doing so to cover arms and legs from a form of self-injury.
- Patients
that have multiple cuts and scars on their body. Examine the cuts and scars. Cutters almost always cut on the opposite
side of the body from which hand they write with.
- Cuts are generally very straight and unnatural looking, almost surgical like.
- If
someone is continuously getting cut, and the cuts appear very similar, that is
reason to suspect a case of self-harm.
Patients
that are harming themselves need counseling, but it's important to approach the
subject carefully as most patients are very upset when their behavior is
exposed. Active listening is the best approach
if a patient begins to reveal information regarding their self-harming.
Never
judge, or ask why. It's important to see that the patient receives proper help,
which may begin as a conversation with their nurse.
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