Triggering (SH): Is this normal?

[13reasonswhy]

Is it normal to hump a stuffed animal or anything I can get up there until I get a certain feeling? Also, while doing it, is it normal to touch yourself and grab personal areas? every time I do this, I cut because I feel gross and horrible afterwards, but when I do it, it feels good.

[KolbyB]

Is it normal? Yeah its completely normal for teenagers to try and experiment with different things.

How you 'arouse' yourself is up to you to decide... not others .

[Colored Shadows]

Hey Cassidy,

Yes, this is most certainly normal! I know that it may seem a little strange or awkward to be doing it, even in private, but rest assured that your curiosity about your body is 100% okay! When you go through puberty, your body is being flooded with hormones and you will probably become more aware (as it sounds like you have been) of its sexual functions. Manipulation of your own genitals is called masturbation, and it's a great way to not only relieve sexual tension but to relieve stress as well. It releases endorphins that generally give people a good, relaxed feeling.

Masturbation is also a good way to become acquainted with your body and to understand your sexual preferences. This may come in handy when you're older and are in an intimate relationship with a partner.

[EDIT] Just saw your update, sorry! It sounds like masturbation is a very new concept for you and that you're feeling a bit uncomfortable because of it. Do you only self-harm after you masturbate, or is it in response to other stressful situations as well? I would encourage you to check out our Alternatives thread in the Self-Harm forum for techniques on how to cope with urges to self-harm. I'd also recommend that you speak to an adult about this behavior.

It's normal for you to feel a little bit confused when you first start masturbating. A lot of kids do feel "gross" or "dirty" afterward, but it's an act that most people engage in. Sexual behaviors are simply a part of the human experience and are nothing to feel bad about. I think we often get the impression that they are because society tends to write them off as being "taboo." However, whether or not anyone wants to freely admit it, it's normal, it's natural, and yes, it feels good.

Nothing to be ashamed of! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask us!

[Dez]

This is definitely a normal thing. Even if it does seem odd afterwards, there is nothing wrong with what you are doing at all. It's not even anything to be ashamed of. Like Kylie said, it is normal to experiment with these things and find out how it feels, and it makes you feel good. You can understand yourself and what you may like a bit more through this. Don't feel bad about it!

[13reasonswhy]

Originally Posted by SummerSoliloquy

Hey Cassidy,

Yes, this is most certainly normal! I know that it may seem a little strange or awkward to be doing it, even in private, but rest assured that your curiosity about your body is 100% okay! When you go through puberty, your body is being flooded with hormones and you will probably become more aware (as it sounds like you have been) of its sexual functions. Manipulation of your own genitals is called masturbation, and it's a great way to not only relieve sexual tension but to relieve stress as well. It releases endorphins that generally give people a good, relaxed feeling.

Masturbation is also a good way to become acquainted with your body and to understand your sexual preferences. This may come in handy when you're older and are in an intimate relationship with a partner.

[EDIT] Just saw your update, sorry! It sounds like masturbation is a very new concept for you and that you're feeling a bit uncomfortable because of it. Do you only self-harm after you masturbate, or is it in response to other stressful situations as well? I would encourage you to check out our Alternatives thread in the Self-Harm forum for techniques on how to cope with urges to self-harm. I'd also recommend that you speak to an adult about this behavior.

It's normal for you to feel a little bit confused when you first start masturbating. A lot of kids do feel "gross" or "dirty" afterward, but it's an act that most people engage in. Sexual behaviors are simply a part of the human experience and are nothing to feel bad about. I think we often get the impression that they are because society tends to write them off as being "taboo." However, whether or not anyone wants to freely admit it, it's normal, it's natural, and yes, it feels good.

Nothing to be ashamed of! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask us!

I self- harm for lots of different reasons. I'm getting help though

[Revolution]

I'm glad you're getting help with the self harm! Yes this is normal, masturbation is completely normal and healthy, and as long as you're not hurting animals or people during your masturbation, I don't see anything wrong with different techniques you want to use.

[kayla1234]

It's 100% normal and I'm sure and (and just about everyone else) have experimented with a lotttt stranger things than that.

Don't worry, it's nothing at alll to be ashamed about!

Take care love!

Oh, and ps, good on you for getting help. ^_^

x.. Kayla. <3

[MusicIsEverything]

Lol yes it's normal. Don't feel gross or dirty, lots of girls do this sort of thing . Don't let it be a reason for you to cut.

[RobbieFox]

Yes I see it as being normal It's no different than humping your bed or something else for that nice feeling.