You did what?  This is typically the response that parents have when they find out a child of theirs has been cutting herself.

If you are not aware what cutting is, it is defined as “deliberate, repetitive, and self-harming of one’s body.”  This self-injury can take many forms such as cutting, scratching, burning, or bruising oneself.  Those who tend to cut themselves most often:

§         are females; adolescent to early 30’s

§         report some type of past physical or sexual abuse (50%)

§         suffer from eating disorders

One common misconception is that people who cut are trying to kill themselves.  This is rarely true.  They are cutting to cope and survive.  Individuals who cut tend to have poor or no coping skills.  They do not know how to handle stress and eventually become overwhelmed.  Cutting will often help them feel relief.  This is one reason why cutting can become a compulsive behavior.  Cutters will tend to seek out this relief over and over.

What should you do if you know someone who is struggling with cutting?  First, validate her feelings.  Second, have her seek help, as it is often difficult to stop without outside help.  Finally, thank them for telling you.  Often people who cut are embarrassed by the behavior.