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Why can't I tell someone I cut myself?

23 Answers
Last Updated: 01/17/2022 at 12:13am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Stacy Overton, PhD.

Counselor

I am an enthusiastic life-long learner and also a professor of counseling. I have a passion for peoples stories and helping to guide and empower the human spirit.

Top Rated Answers
mothernurture
July 7th, 2015 8:39am
because they will judge you. because they will think you're crazy. They dont understand. because if you try to explain they just have this blank expression and stare at you like yours psycho. but youre really just hurting, and in need of someone's support. in need of a listener.
Cadence
February 26th, 2015 8:21pm
There's often a really bad stigma that comes with those who self harm. If you feel as though you can't tell someone, it's likely because you're scared of what will happen if people find out. It may be seen as strange, but that's just because those who haven't self harmed don't have experience as to why you would have done it. However, you may find it is better to tell people you trust, because otherwise it may weigh in on your conscience for a while, which may cause more of a trigger.
Anonymous
May 28th, 2015 3:34am
It's a subject that almost no one takes serious. They dismiss it as being childish or trying to get attention. Only people in your shoes truly understand. You don't want to be judged. You just want to be understood.
happinessstrives01
January 17th, 2017 9:25am
Is it because your scared of how they will react? And you don't want them to treat you with pity? Personally I was always scared to tell someone I cut, I wanted them to notice that I was hurting but no one ever did but at the same time I never told anyone because I didn't want people to think that I did it for attention
Edddy
December 21st, 2015 1:39am
embarrassed what people would think of me if they knew what I did to myself. And not wanting to disappoint anyone.
Anonymous
March 21st, 2016 1:13pm
It's hard to feel vulnerable and reach out to someone. Anxiety can also stem from fear of rejection or thinking about how someone will react to this information. The important thing to remember is that you're not alone and reaching out for help will be very valuable to your healing.
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2015 9:21pm
You might find it difficult to tell someone you are self harming because you don't want that person to feel like you are doing it for the wrong reasons
Rockbandoreos
August 11th, 2015 6:01pm
because they might think your crazy and want to put you in a mental hospital.... thats not good so i suggest you turn to a therapist
xMeowsAndHugs
February 1st, 2016 8:14pm
Knowing that you may have a problem that either you will be criticized about or feel as if no one will listen can be a challenge. Not telling is a sense of 'what if' and leads you to keeping it a secret. I personally did not want to displease my parents, but telling leads to one more step to getting help from people who care. Do not beat yourself up about it. Take your time to get ready to bring it up to someone that can help you.
HayashiYuna333
January 17th, 2022 12:13am
Telling anyone you've cut yourself is a super difficult thing to do. By telling someone, you're revealing a really personal and vulnerable part of yourself. It's no easy task, and it takes a lot of courage to do it. I remember when I told my best friend that I cut. Despite asking her opinion on self-harm and her not being judgemental of it, I was sweating like crazy and I was extraordinarily anxious. Even after telling her I cut, it took so long to calm down! However, I'm really glad I did it. It turns out that she was supportive of me! It was like a weight was lifted off my chest. If you do tell someone, best of luck! And if they aren't supportive, that's on them and not you. You're not any less of a person for struggling with self-harm.
KickBoxer1967
February 27th, 2015 4:21pm
You could be embarrassed or you could think that people who you tell will tell others and people will tease you about
Anonymous
May 15th, 2017 11:29am
Because it is so terrifying going up to someone and telling them about your self-harming behaviors. A person just can't really come out and open up. A lot of the time, we think as though people might think we are attention-seeking or a "freak" because of what's portrayed on media.
CatOnAMat
May 8th, 2017 8:59pm
Sometimes people think telling someone about their self harm will make the person they tell disappointed in them or upset, but if that person truly cares about you/ loves you, they will accept you no matter what.
MedicNemo
October 17th, 2016 3:09pm
There would be a lot of emotions built up in you, behind that course of action. Self harm is a very emotionally unsteady topic that has been known to cause doubt, self-hatred, anxiety and many more bad effects. Being able to share your struggles with someone can be an amazing help and will definitely be worth doing so. The hesitation to share your struggles regarding self harm may be caused by the inability to find someone who has proven their trust to you. Having the faith to let someone help you is really what it comes down to.
Anonymous
October 4th, 2016 6:27am
I know from experience that it's hard to tell anyone that you self harm. You are scared on how they'll react, and what they'll do. I could only tell my friend over the phone, I kept it from my parents for 2 years. But when they found out, I realized I had nothing to worry about. I know it's scary, but it's okay. You'll get better help if you tell them, anyone.
TranquilForest77
August 16th, 2016 10:56pm
Sometimes when people are feeling sad or emotionless (blank) they/you inflict physical pain onto yourself. This occurs if the person/you cannot control their psychological pain so by hurting yourself, you can control one type of pain. The reason you may not be abled to tell anyone is because that type of state of mind is very personal.
dreamVoice41
September 14th, 2015 10:16am
Maybe because you feel that they will judge you. Humans as a specie are very judgmental, but that does not mean that you can't tell someone you trust.
Anonymous
May 5th, 2015 10:02pm
You are probably embarrassed of your self harm. It's always hard to tell people anout things you're embarrassed of. Also, many people don't understand self harm. You might be afraid that people will think that you're crazy or weird. You could try writing a letter, or telling somebody on the phone. Talking to someone face to face is often the hardest.
neverletlifetakeyourspark
April 16th, 2015 8:15pm
It is a difficult situation, I know. I never exactly told anyone, I just showed them. That's a good way to do it, I think. I got the help I needed.
LovelyCharlie
December 28th, 2015 3:32am
You should tell someone you trust, and ask for help. Cut yourself will not help you with your problems, and is a good sign that you need help.
eliza1207
October 25th, 2016 5:29pm
Because you're afraid of what they might think. You think they'll judge you and think differently of you.
distinctBurrito
November 3rd, 2015 10:24pm
The reason someone might not be able to tell someone else that they cut or self-harm because they might be embarrassed or maybe they're afraid of the persons response to what they've done to themselves, they might feel like they could be judged for it because some people take self-harm different ways then another person might. THey might just be plain afraid of what the person might do to them, for example, the person might send them to a mental hospital or something extreme like that.
greentea12034
April 6th, 2020 7:37pm
There are a variety of reasons for people to feel like they can't talk about self harm. Some people don't want to feel vulnerable. Others are scared of being a burden. The truth is, vulnerability and sharing things with people you trust is important to start the path of healing. Those who care about you won't see it as troublesome and they would love to help you, honestly. Some people don't want their friends and family to see them differently. That's why it can be easier at times to talk to a stranger who won't judge you or has been through something similar. If you're ready for a conversation, send me a message and I'd love to talk to you. Stay strong!