The Jed Foundation

Most people have heard of cutting, but many don’t know that this type of self-injury is often linked to other emotional disorders.

Cutting is the act of intentionally inflicting harm on oneself, usually without suicidal intent. While the term is often used broadly, cutting is really only one form of what is known as “self-injurious behavior” or “non-suicidal self-injury.”

Other types of self-injury include scratching, burning, ripping or pulling skin or hair, swallowing toxic substances, self-bruising, and breaking bones. While cutting may occur on any part of the body, it is most common on the hands, wrists, stomach, and thighs. Tattoos and body piercing are not typically considered self-injurious behavior unless undertaken with the intention of causing harm.

Not everyone who cuts does so for the same reasons. Some people report overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or emotional numbness to be common triggers. Other reasons include a need to feel in control; relieve stress; create visible and treatable wounds; purify one’s body; reenact a trauma in an attempt to resolve it; or protect others from one’s emotional pain.

Although not always true, cutting is frequently linked to childhood abuse (especially sexual abuse), depression, anxiety, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, and substance abuse problems.

Cutting is a way for some people to cope with their emotions or outside stressors. Regardless of the cause, self-injury may best be understood as an unhealthy coping mechanism. Treatment for cutting focuses on enhancing people’s awareness of the stressors that trigger cutting and on helping them identify, practice, and use more productive and positive means of coping.

Signs and Symptoms of Self-Injury

• Unexplained burns, cuts, bruising, scars, healing or healed wounds, or similar markings on the skin
• Implausible stories which may explain one, but not all, physical injuries
• Dressing inappropriately for the season (e.g., consistently wearing long sleeves or pants in summer)
• Constant use of wristbands, large watchbands, or large bracelets
• Frequent bandages or other methods of covering wounds (e.g., make-up)
• Odd/unexplainable paraphernalia (e.g., razor blades)
• Unwillingness to participate in activities that require less body coverage (e.g., swimming)

Learn more about other common emotional disorders and their warning signs:

•         Depression
•         Bipolar Disorder
•         Eating Disorders
•         Anxiety Disorders
•         Substance Abuse