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Cutting a Way through Problems
By Kim Keener, Staff Writer
Some people might question why
cutters choose to inflict pain upon themselves. Most therapists say
that when people cut their wrists, it releases a hormone that gives
the feeling of being relieved, which causes the cutter to feel
happy. Most cutters are filled with negative emotions, and cutting
helps them to release these emotions.
Another problem that cutters have is that, if someone
finds out about the cutter’s problem, they are more likely to be
teased. They are sometimes forced by their parents to be put into
therapy. When cutters are exposed, they often inflict stress, not
only on themselves, but on their friends. Students were asked what
they would do if they found out that their friend cut. Junior
Stewart Crichton says that, “I would tell them that they’re just
trying to get attention, and showing their emotion in ways which are
harmful to themselves”. These stressful circumstances can often
make the cutter want to cut even more; sometimes the pressure of
their peers or close family members gets to be too intense. For some
cutters it is much harder to quit than they might have expected.
Now, cutting is not necessarily addicting, but for some people the
feeling or hormone that one gets from cutting can be addicting on
its own.
For many people who are dealing with difficult issues,
especially among teens, cutting seems to help them to forget about
whatever problem is tying them down; they believe it will stop their
emotional pain. People who cut themselves dress in dark colors to
cover their cuts. They have usually experienced some kind of
psychological abuse or neglect. Some people might believe that the
typical cutter is stupid, but in reality they are very sensitive and
aware of what is going on in their life. Many think that people cut
themselves to get attention. This is sometimes true, but generally
there are other reasons. Most of these people feel guilty for what
they are doing. They constantly ignore people, because they are so
ashamed of what they do they feel the need to hide and block out the
world. Naturally, cutters feel so ashamed and guilty so it is not
typical of them to recommend others to try it.
If you know someone who cuts:
Let them know once that you are concerned and care about
them. Unfortunately, the decision is ultimately theirs, and they
will have to change on their own. Pushing them into stopping could
possibly turn out badly for your friendship but it could save their
life. Senior Kaitlyn Adams said that if her friend was
cutting, “I would tell them that I was going to tell their parents
if they continued to do it, because it is not safe”.
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