Why do people self cut?

I do understand about hurting oneself as when i fight with my wife and she doesnt back down i used to hit myself in the head so she would stop naging. The reason for my self hurting was to make her stop. I knew why i was hurting myself and knew the reason but i would like to hear from those that self cut or harm themself  WHY they THINK they are doing it! What thoughts come into your mind the moment  when you reach for a cutter or other harming means? I ask this as would like to understand what you are going through.

[witheredrose]

Well, many people do it as a way to help mask the emotional pain. There is a pain killing chemical in our brain, that is automatically released when the body is physical injured. That same chemical doesnt get realeased when we are in emotional pain, but cutting ourselves releases that chemical and it  somewhat helps with emotional pain. Thats just one reason. When I do it, im not sure.if thats why or not, but generally I do it when I feel empty inside and just want to feel something, I would rather feel pain than nothing.
I have hit myself a lot, ive bit myself, ive whaled on my own head, when I do that its generally when im frusterated to the max. I do not inflict harm to others though  I take everything out on myself.

[Life360]

Thank you for sharing this. I ask this as my nephew does it and am trying to understand. In your case cutting, its when you feel empty inside, can you clarify this a bit more.
Also i see that you hit yourself much for the same reasons that i do and has to do with other people frustrating us. Its a  crude way of self control. Im trying to avoid these situations with other people as the hiting usually comes from knowing i kinda started the other people confrontation in the first place. I should has keep my mouth shut as inside i knew the outcome anyway.

[brice1967]

I know of one "cutter".  I've heard it said that the cutting is a release.  Almost along the lines of being euphoric.  It releases all kinds of brain chemicals...

It should be addressed by a professional who specializes in dealing with cutters.

[witheredrose]

By feeling empty inside, Its when I feel no emotions, no sadness, no anger, no happiness. Just a zombie.
If your nephew does it, he should be helped and I think it is good you are trying to get others reasons for doing it for means of helping him. Yoi as well, may need to get a littke help with your self harm to (hitting yourself).
I hope you can help yourself, and your nephew. I wish you good luck!

[Life360]

Thanks brice there is diffentily something about the chemical release

[Life360]

When the feeling of no emotions arises is there a certain setting that brings this up, like does this happen when your at a movie or driving, or watching tv?

And your right about me as my wife has advised me to get some help when i do this as can be habit forming. I really want to hit her but am showing some control. I must admit thou that there are situations in any relationship where either partner really cant take it and want to strike the other. Im sure most men have got to this point with the girlfriend or wife or mate. Some hit the wall, some want to crash the car if driving when the fight starts. Many many releases but im sure its better walk away but sometimes men want to stand there ground. Im not speaking for women as am male. I think that if the partners sees that they are pushing the button they both should back off so i believe counselling is best for both.

[witheredrose]

Sometimes something will set me off, like somebody being mean to me. Most the time it happens for no reason. I will feel fine and thenn it just hits me.

I am sorrry that you and your wife are having a difficult time. Im glad that you are remaining your control and not striking at her, and I hope she is not striking at you. Steiking yourself isnt a very good way to deal either.  You are right, some times taking a step back is needed!
I think getting counsling for you both is a very good idea, and I hope if you do it works out!