Is it normal to cut myself for no reason?

I used to cut myself when I was upset or something. Since then its become an addiction. I just find myself cutting my arm and I have no idea why. When my cuts heal, I feel kind of naked. I feel like I have to do it again. Why do I constantly feel like this? Is it normal to feel like this after a history of self-harm?

Voting Results
21% Normal
Based on 105 votes (22 yes)
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Comments ( 8 )
  • IsitUnique

    Yeah this one time I cut myself from eating this large chicken, I was at this ghetto wal-mart and I was like "I can eat this chicken", but nah Ill probably feel bad later and need to exercise, but I have too much homework so that's another problem.

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  • juniperlei

    You need some help O__O

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  • Curious_Questions

    It is "normal" after a history of self-harm, but not "normal" in societal terms. It is "normal" in that other people do this though (it's not like you are "abnormal" and obsessed with mating chickens with dogs or something)-- you have real emotional reasons for doing it in there somewhere. But you should see a therapist because it is not at all a good behavior to let yourself just continue to do. Responsibility for yourself means going to the doctor when you know you have a tendency to do things like this.

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  • kennag123

    Yes, it happens to me often. Don't listen to the other rude guy commenting, he clearly just doesn't understand. This is totally normal, I do hope you tell a mental health professional or doctor though, as they can help you. Good luck in your recovery :)

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  • GreyWulfen

    This is a mental condition/personality disorder, just that you know. You should get help.

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  • RoseIsabella

    See a mental health professional and get screened for Borderline Personality Disorder.

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    • Wuggums47

      What makes you think Borderline Personality Disorder? I'm studying to go into psychiatry, and this sounds a lot more like depression or bipolar. Those are the most common reasons why, and considering he didn't mention anything about personality or relationships, we have nothing to draw the conclusion that he/she has BPD.

      That being said, I know how you feel. I used to injure myself too, sometimes really severely before I got the right doctor.

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      • RoseIsabella

        Self mutilation and cutting behavior is a hallmark among sufferers of Borderline Personality Disorder (also known as Emotional Intensity Disorder) and more so than among Bipolar disorder. BPD is often stigmatized among many mental health professionals because it has a history of being difficult to treat but it's not a hopeless diagnosis. In fact there are some who would argue that the upside is that the main treatment for BPD (EID) is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy instead of drug therapy unlike Bipolar Disorder. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are prescribed to treat the co-occurring depression and anxiety but anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers are not really necessary for patients with BPD. Two types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that have been very successful in the treatment of of BPD (EID) are Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving also known as STEPPS. Just because OP has not mentioned a pattern of marked impulsivity and instability of interpersonal relationships, and self image, intense fears of abandonment, idealization and devaluation of others, alternating between high positive regard and great disappointment, having paranoid thoughts when feeling stressed, and severe dissociation ect. doesn't mean those signs and symptoms are not present.

        What makes you think Bipolar disorder is more likely since OP hasn't mentioned episodes of an elevated or agitated mood alternating with episodes of depression?

        Regardless there is a stigma surrounding BPD and no shortage in occurrences of counter transference among mental health professionals. Either way neither of us is qualified to diagnosis OP. And more than anything I'm curious as to OP's opinion of both of our suppositions.

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