Why do People Cut Themselves

The tendency of hurting oneself is not new, since ages there have been people who hurt themselves for no visible reason. The number of such people has certainly increased lately. One might think that mentally or physically ill people are the only ones who resort to such ways, however it is not so. People who have everything that is needed to lead a simple and happy life also cut themselves. When we come across such cases, we wonder why do people cut themselves? What can be the reason behind such drastic step? Well, there is no single reason behind this tendency, there are several reasons, they actually differ from person to person. Let us take a look at some of the most common reasons of why people cut themselves.

Reasons Why People Cut Themselves

Coping Mechanism: Those with a little knowledge of psychology, must be aware of the term defense mechanism. Defense mechanism are psychological strategies executed by the mind to cope with problematic situations. Coping mechanism is similar to defense mechanism. As the name suggests, coping mechanism is used by humans and animals to cope with the unfavorable situation. There are positive as well as negative coping mechanisms. For example, planning in advance, self-control, discussing, sleeping are positive coping mechanisms.

As you must have guessed, cutting yourself disorder is a negative coping mechanism. Some people cut themselves because they feel they can escape from the pressure of the situation they are in. However they do not realize that it is only a temporary relief. Sometimes people resort to cutting to escape from intense feelings also, these feelings are generally the ones which are not accepted by the society.

To Attract Attention: Though this might sound weird, it is true. People, especially teenagers cut themselves to gain attention. These people always carry a feeling that they are not loved by anyone, this thought makes them depressed. So they hurt themselves as they feel that people will care for them when they see their pain. People with a tendency to hurt themselves have a secret wish of making the people who didn't care for them, repent for their so-called careless behavior.

Mental Health Issues: People suffering from mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, chronic depression, eating disorder tend to hurt themselves in some or the other way. When they reach the highest level of sorrow, they stop feeling anything. This lack of emotions sometimes makes them suffer even from panic attacks, so they cut themselves. When they see their blood, and experience the pain they feel relieved as they are assured that they are still capable of having some feeling. However, this is not the case with everyone suffering from mental illnesses, this is more commonly seen in people who suffered from childhood trauma or abuse.

Compulsive Disorder: Though the injured people do not realize, sometimes there is a scientific reason that makes them cut themselves. When the body is cut, the brain automatically secretes/releases endorphins. Endorphin is a neurochemical which provides a sense of well-being, helping in relieving stress or mental pain. When people realize that cutting can provide instant relief from mental pain, they develop a habit or compulsive behavior of cutting themselves. Whenever they have to come face to face mental pain, they automatically develop an uncontrollable urge to cut themselves.

Introversion: People who cannot express themselves freely, those who tend to suppress feelings of anger, affection or frustration hurt themselves as a way of expressing themselves. It is a way of expressing frustration with oneself.

For Help: Some people are terrified with the surroundings. Their surroundings might not be bad, these people have a tendency of being terrified. They do not understand why they are born, they never understand what they are supposed to do or if whatever they do is ever right. They want someone to approach them and explain them the reason for their existence. They need and want help but they are too shy to say anything to anyone directly. So they cut themselves, as they feel by doing so people will somehow understand their inner turbulence.

These people need affection and help. So if you are wondering how to help people who cut themselves, do not shout on them; also do not try to stop them by crying or by asserting emotional pressure. Instead take them to a therapist, whom they can trust. The therapist will train them to handle stress, gradually they will learn to handle life as it comes!