TeenHelp - Triggering (SH): does this count as cutting?

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- - Triggering (SH): does this count as cutting? (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f12-self-harm/t109255-does-count-cutting/)

does this count as cutting?

I have recently started hurting myself. I use a safety pin to do it. Since I don't want anyone to find out, I usually just do small cuts. I have made myself bleed before, but sometimes I just make deep scratches, and it is nothing compared to the pictures of slashed up arms I see or the scars all over my friends arms and legs. So I am just curious, is what I do considered cutting if I don't even make myself bleed very much?

Re: does this count as cutting?

I suppose it would. but Self harm is self harm and cutting is cutting, no matter how you do it, whether a safety-pin, razor, knife etc etc.

Jay.

Re: does this count as cutting?

Hey.

I think that it does count as cutting, but I also think that the real issue shouldn't be how you're hurting yourself, but why. What you're doing counts as self harm (click here for more information), so I think you should consider why you're feeling the need to hurt yourself, and what you can do to overcome the habit. Since you didn't actually ask for help in overcoming self harm, I'll refrain from offering too much advice here; but if you want some suggestions, feel free to PM me, reply to this thread, or start a new one.

I'll leave you with the list of alternatives, which can help you distract yourself when you feel triggered. I'll also give you a word of warning: self harm is not a competition. Don't feel like it's not serious just because you've seen people whose injuries are worse. You're deliberately hurting yourself, and whether or not it's as bad as those pictures you may have seen, it's still serious.

Take care, and stay strong. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help, okay?