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Is it normal for me to feel relieved when self harming?

20 Answers
Last Updated: 09/21/2020 at 3:59am
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Paola Giordani, Psychoanalyst

Licensed Psychoanalyst

I have helped and am helping people cope with loss, divorce, anguish and parenting. Depression is also a major issue that comes up.

Top Rated Answers
vissarionthecat
April 30th, 2015 6:31am
The reason self-harm is a thing is because the brain can only focus on one source of pain at a time, the one that's more life-threatening. So that when you've got a scab and catch fire at the same time you know to put out the fire first. This works for emotional pain too, and physical pain always overweighs emotional pain. That's why people harm themselves: for a moment, their brain grants them permission to not be depressed.
ThePosea
October 11th, 2016 12:33am
Well. i that's the whole point of it i think, the feeling of harming one's self brings relief because of different reasons that make one believe that they deserve to feel said pain, generally some irrational feeling of guilt.
Anonymous
April 16th, 2015 7:52pm
The general reason people self-harm is for the feeling of relief they get during or afterwards. If you want to stop but still get the same relief, some people ping elastic bands, punch pillows/boxing bags etc.
ptvDarcey
April 1st, 2015 9:13pm
Yes it is. Partly because it releases endorphins into your blood and partly because mentally it releases emotions and pain
JoyfulHeart822
July 6th, 2015 3:11pm
Yes, that is why so many people do it and struggle to give it up. It is still, however, a very unhealthy, detrimental coping mechanism. However if you replace self-harming with a healthy, productive activity (like a sport, a craft, or going out with friends, etc.) that relieves you or provides a mental escape, you can work towards eliminating self-harm from your life.
LeapingLaughter
September 8th, 2015 7:59am
Yes. Two things are going on here. 1) The brain releases endorphins, which operate like morphine, and cause a pleasant sensation to relieve pain. 2) Your mind feels as if it is exerting control over your suffering when you self harm, and this fires off dopamine - the reward chemical in the brain. What you are feeling is normal, but what you are doing to yourself can lead to very bad problems. Please seek out a mental health professional if you are still harming yourself.
Anonymous
September 21st, 2020 3:59am
From my experience with self-harm with me myself and having ex's and friends you use to or still do, yes it is. I was talking to a friend about why I think that is. I think the reason why it is, is because you are blocking out the mental pain with physical pain. It could also be the fact you like to watch the blood. This deosn't mean that self-harming is healthy or you should do it. If you like to watch the blood flow out then try using an ice cube and red food coloring.If you think of self-harming pleas contact someone before it becomes addictive. Try healthy coping instead of self-harming.
Anonymous
September 24th, 2019 4:47pm
I think it's normal to feel relief when self-harming because you're taking control of something, and because your focus shifts from your mind to your body. But it's a dangerous thing, obviously. You're flirting with death, and the more you do it, the more likely it is that you'll seriously hurt yourself at some point. The best way to avoid falling into that trap is to take all that energy and apply it to another outlet, such as a hobby or exercise or even writing. That way, you're not pushing it down inside yourself, where it can harm you, but releasing it in a healthy, beneficial way.
lovelyEyes46
June 13th, 2017 5:58pm
Thats because of all the feeling you have pent up and they are finally being let out and it feels so good. But even so its very harmful and shouldnt be done
Anonymous
February 13th, 2017 12:38am
Yes it is. In fact, cutting makes your body release endorphins, and that bring instant feeling of calm.
Greysmdl
October 25th, 2016 4:18am
No it is not. Pain is our bodies way of telling us that something is not right. People may feel good after self harm because they feel like they are not heard, but it is never normal to feel relieved after inflicting pain on yourself.
coffeekitten14
October 4th, 2016 12:51am
Its completely normal! Self harming is a way to hurt yourself in your own will-- its the only thing you can control.
HereToHelpYou742
August 16th, 2016 11:13pm
Yes, when the body receives a pain signal it will release chemicals that make you feel better
greatfulGrace21
August 16th, 2016 8:57am
Yes it's normal. Cause when we do it, it feels like an escape, like that's the way out. Even tho it's not. And we know it isn't right.
kao6662
January 18th, 2016 12:54am
To me personally it is, but that doesn't mean it is is something you should ever consider doing. I've been there, and I stopped. you are basically trying to overcome mental pain by physical pain and that is not okay whatsoever. Please never selfharm, it's never okay and never will be okay to hurt yourself. Please talk to me or other listeners and seek professional help.
Lyricaldancer99
January 5th, 2016 1:05am
It is normal. But I suggest that you talk to Someone about it. It'll make you feel better. :) :).
Anonymous
December 21st, 2015 1:40pm
You should see a therapist or physiologist who who specializes in helping people who self harm. You can find one through googling
Anonymous
August 11th, 2015 7:21pm
That is completely normal. When feeling pain and seeing blood, your body brings a hormone to your brain that gives you a sudden rush. Its original purpose was to make pain less painful for the body.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2015 7:24pm
It is normal to feel relief, but that doesn't mean it's good for you. Many people cut purely for the relief it gives them from such wild emotions, also feeling a sense of control. Please get help, there are many other coping skills that could help you.
lovingwatermelon
April 29th, 2015 5:03am
It is completely normal. I highly recommend talking to a professional or doctor about your self harm or calling the self harm hotline.