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I harm myself on purpose. I never do it because I need to cope, I do it because I like the pain and like to have something on my body. I know I should stop, but I don't want to. Why is that?

163 Answers
Last Updated: 03/31/2022 at 10:20pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
India
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Smita Joshi, BA Psychology / MA / Advanced EFT Practitioner

Counselor

I am empathetic with my Clients going through emotional overwhelm and passionate in helping them. I am supportive, openminded & interactive in helping my clients.

Top Rated Answers
joyfulMango7240
February 20th, 2021 12:20am
As a person who has gone through a similar situation (I liked the view of blood and the scars/bruises) I understand where those feelings are coming from although I don't understand the feelings themselves. Even if it's physically/aesthetically pleasing, or however one can formulate that, self-harm is never a good idea and the tecnique I can think of id gradual working on avoiding to do it, maybe find something else to replace it (you might develop a less harmful but still toxic tick by accident like chewing nails or peeling off skin). In the end, it's all a process so don't worry if you fall back to self-harm or feel weirdly satisfied with it.
laxgirl2468
March 13th, 2021 6:09am
you are accustomed to the feeling. you can try to use a rubber band and snap it on your arm as it will give the same effect as self harm. you may enjoy pain in forms where you can see it, but remember there are other ways. if you ever need help, be sure to reach out to a hotline. these are great ways to help cope with anything going on. you are not alone, there are others just like you out there in the world. what matters the most is your safety and health. be sure to reach out
lovelyPuppy3621
April 11th, 2021 8:31pm
I have struggled with self-harm many times. I know how hard it can be to stop, and sometimes it is hard to admit that you have a problem. I would recommend going to a therapist and getting serious help. Self-harm isn't something to take lightly. It could lead to a lot worse, and it is a very unhealthy coping mechanism. You could also try telling someone you trust how you feel, it can help to not have to go through it alone. Self-harm can also leave permanent scars, I have many, and they look crazy. Try speaking with a therapist and see what they say, but you may need professional help. You're not alone.
Magicshop97
June 10th, 2021 4:21pm
Sometimes punishing yourself is easier than forgiving yourself. It may have to do with something from the past or something you just said. Sometimes I feel I deserve the pain. I don't care about the pity or anger from those around me if they happen to witness and don't understand why I'm turning against myself. It doesn't make me feel better but it feels justified. No matter the way of self harm, it also helps justify your emotional distress when you're not sure why you're struggling. Despite all that, it never stops being terrifying as hell. My experience is on initial levels and while I have felt I should do more, there are also the good days when I'm glad I haven't and scared about what might happen if I let this out of control.
Elvalight
June 13th, 2021 8:47am
This is a maladaptive coping mechanism, because self-harm is very effective at distracting you from emotional pain quickly, it releases endorphins which make you feel good and it leaves a mark on the body which you can look at later and remember that what you went through was "real", not just you being dramatic. I would strongly suggest getting professional therapy, especially if the self--harm is endangering your health (even if it seems tame now, it can quickly escalate when things get bad in your personal life) This is a conditioned response which CAN be un-learned and replaced with safer/healthier solutions, but it will take time. Self-harm is addictive and you're going to need much support to get through this.
Anonymous
June 25th, 2021 7:17pm
Cutting serves two purposes: it gets you out of your body through dissociation, and it is a way to release extreme anger or sadness. You most likely developed this behavior when you were younger and had to find a way to control your emotions without others noticing. Perhaps it was not safe to express yourself. Perhaps you were ashamed because others taught you it was not okay to be angry. Examine the beliefs you internalized throughout your life that taught you it was not okay to be upset and that you do not deserve to be safe in your body.
lioness0707
August 26th, 2021 6:08pm
The pain could possibly seem like a working coping mechanism for internalized pain. When our minds have a lot going on, we tend to look for things that will take that pain away. Harming oneself may seem to take away the mental pain because it helps drive the focus of the mind elsewhere. The human mind is so complex and there will never be definite answers for the reasons someone copes the way they do because every individual is different. The only hope is that someone is there for us to talk to about the pain so that we may navigate through it rather than taking on the battles alone. Self-harm is easier when one feels alone. Working with a professional is a good idea to explore causes and alternative coping methods.
SupportiveSoul3
October 17th, 2021 9:21pm
I hear you! It's really hard to break habits like this. Sometimes, we might not think we're harming ourselves in order to cope, but we might be suppressing feelings that we don't know how to deal with. You might benefit from using fidget toys, drawing on your skin, talking to a professional, journaling or visiting a Self-Harmers Anonymous meeting. You are not alone and you can recover! I encourage you to look into the stressors in your life and other, healthier outlets for your pain/stress, like exercise or therapy. Best of luck and happy healing, friend. You can absolutely do this!
Anonymous
January 14th, 2022 3:17pm
Well if I'm being honest there's no specific reason why you feel this way. Everyone has their own reasons. It could be because you don't know how to, maybe you think it's not that bad, or maybe just because you love this feeling and the mark that it leaves so much and you've done it for so long that you think that there's no need to stop and that you're not doing anything wrong. So you see there could be many different reasons for that. I hope this was of help and I hope you get better. Please reach out to a professional in case you need help and take care.
Anonymous
January 19th, 2022 12:09pm
I think you like to feel control over yourselves and your body and harming yourself could be one way of expressing your control over your body. It might also be because of some physical or sexual abuse in the past. Feeling conscious of your appearance can also be a factor. It is good that you have acknowledged your self-harming behavior. It is a first step to seeking help. It will take some time to stop this behavior. There are lot of ways to feel pain other than harming oneself. You can try other pushing yourself to do strenuous physical activities or other hobbies to distract yourself.
Thoughtsaway
March 5th, 2022 11:08am
Often in times of deep sadness a feeling of becoming numb to emotional distress can occur. People who can’t fully connect with their emotions may seek physical stimulus to fill this gap. When somebody is feeling down of course pain can become an unfortunate choice, along with potential substance usage. But variations of self harm can be performed in many different ways, the accessibility for it may lead to it being the default choice and to gain a sense of response and control over oneself’s body. If you happen to notice behaviour of self harm or partake in it yourself then please try to reach out. They may feel isolated but there are always resources and people available and willing to help!
lauren1030
March 23rd, 2022 5:37pm
Ask yourself if it is just the physical pain you like, and to what extent. Do you get the same kind of feeling (liking it) when you are in emotional distress? Additionally, how much pain do you typically give yourself, and do you only like it when you yourself do it, or when others do it as well? This is a hard question to answer with limited information. However, you should consider how stressed out you have been recently. When in extreme stress, the brain shuts off emotions in a way to prevent the stress from getting worse. With physical pain, it is possibly your body and brain's way of letting you feel something in extreme stress.
Anonymous
March 31st, 2022 10:20pm
I am sorry you feel to hurt yourself to feel. I may not give advice, but I can listen and be supportive in your journey. I cannot support if you are having thoughts on ending your own life. Please contact your nearest suicide helpline if you feel that way. Can you tell me more on how you feel about why you need the pain? I might not be able to relate and give advice, but I will do my best to guide you to getting to a solution which is suitable for you. Please tell me more on how you are feeling?