Self-harm often indicates a mental health condition, such as a mood or personality disorder.
Though most people who cut do not intendsuicide, repeated cutting is associated with an increased risk of suicide.
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
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Explaining Cutting: Why Do People Hurt Themselves?
It may be difficult to understand why someone would intentionally hurt themselves.
People who cause self-harm are usually trying to escape psychological or emotional pain.
Self-harm can bring a sense of control and relief.
Risk factors include:
Signs of cutting behavior include:
Can Cutting Be Fatal?
Those who cut usually do so to relieve psychological pain, not toattempt suicide.
However, people who cutespecially repeatedlyare at an increased risk for suicide.
How Do You Stop Cutting?
Support from a licensed mental health professional is important any time cutting is suspected or known.
The best way to approach someone who might be cutting is with calmness and empathy.
Cutting is a dangerous way ofcoping with emotional distress and mental health conditions.
Without appropriate treatment, these conditions will continue and may worsen.
Is Cutting Always Serious?
All acts of self-harm, including cutting, should be taken seriously and warrant a mental health evaluation.
Other Ways to Cope
For many people, cutting is a way to relieve psychological pain.
Consider the underlying cause for the urge to cut and try one of these strategies instead.
Though self-harming and attempting suicide differ, people who cut are at increased risk for suicide.
The most effective treatments for cutting involve certain types of psychotherapy.
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