Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

What are ways to tell if someone might be cutting?

4 Answers
Last Updated: 11/23/2021 at 5:56am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jennifer Geib, LCSWR

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

1:1 chats (up to 5 days/week). - My therapy is non-judgmental and focuses on emotions and motivation to accomplish your goals or overcome your struggles.

Top Rated Answers
HiddenSoul1714
November 27th, 2017 10:59am
There are a variety of signs to show if someone is cutting and if some apply, it may not be one hundred percent accurate to them cutting so try not to jump to the conclusion too easily. First are the two obvious signs as seeing scars or cuts anywhere on the body, most commonly their wrist. The second is if they make any comments about loving pain, or something that revolves around pain helping them. Now there are some other small signs that could support your thoughts, yet these small signs alone won’t always guarantee it. Usually those who cut are struggling from depression, anxiety, trauma etc. so you can see a change of mood most of the time, lack of enthusiasm, and losing interest in friendships or hobbies, they most likely could be suffering. If They also seem down or bothered by something, it could result in cutting. One last hint is they usually wear conservative clothing such as long sleeves if they have cuts down along their arms to hide it, so that could be another sign. As I said, these won’t 100% guarantee anything, it’s best to be there for someone no matter what and if they want to talk about it, recommend help, if not, it’s best not to push it but voice your concern to either them or a trusted adult. Everyone is important no matter what 🙂
Anonymous
February 22nd, 2018 2:47pm
Unexplained scars or wounds on the body, long sleeves in the winter or wearing pants in the summer are just a few signs.
MikeRaymond
May 28th, 2018 10:05pm
Wearing long sleeved clothes in hot weather, finding blood stains on clothes with no apparent cause, finding razors/self-harm tools, low/depressed mood, withdrawing from society
Anonymous
November 23rd, 2021 5:56am
Hey there! This question can be answered many ways. Some general indications of decreasing mental health are sudden changes in attitude, appearance, behavior, how they value themselves or take care of themselves, etc. For example, if somebody starts wearing baggier clothing, gets a haircut, and stops cleaning their room, you may want to check in on them. Signs of self harm can be things like a change in clothing choices, constantly touching an area of their body they may cut on (I was always touching my thighs), not being as socially active, needing more alone time, mood swings, fascination with self harm, or overall decreasing mental health. I hoped this helped a little bit!