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why does cutting make me feel better but then bad afterwards?

265 Answers
Last Updated: 12/14/2022 at 1:32am
1 Tip to Feel Better
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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
Anonymous
January 4th, 2019 3:47am
The pain is relaxing and gives the mind something else to focus on then whatever is going on usually a depressed mood but then the reality of what was done sets in and I start to feel guilty for having hurt myself and that feeds a cycle that is hard to break. So it can result in more cutting and feeling good then bad and finding other ways to get relief is hard and takes time while cutting is always instantaneous but comes with that double edge of causing more guilt and bad feeling making me feel a whole lot worse.
Anonymous
January 12th, 2019 11:43pm
At first, it makes you feel better as you know many people use this way and think it is a good way to help them with dealing with things. Yet later it makes you feel bad because of various reasons: first of all, it hurts and then you begin to regret what you did and the reasons for why you did it. It makes you feel bad because you know you cam't tell someone because they will tell an adult. You will also realise that when doing so all you want to do is harm yourself that what has happened yet later scars show and you know you caused damage which could stay forever.
Anonymous
January 24th, 2019 5:07am
Self harm is short term relief. It's commonly used to alleviate emotional pain. It gives someone control over their pain. However, in hindsight, it really only makes things worse. Although anything may seem better than what you're feeling in the moment, self harm is a temporary and destructive answer. It's a step back from recovery, which is easier to take at first but only becomes harder. Self harm is hard to quit, especially because of the moment of feeling better, but it's not worth the pain and feeling bad afterwards.
Nimeihaoruchu
March 17th, 2019 10:15pm
Cutting as well as other forms of self harm can give people a feeling of Euphoria or temporary relief, which is why we feel good, or feel satisfied. Once we register what we’ve done, we feel guilty or angry at ourselves. Self harm in and of itself is a cycle, of feeling worthless or even that you deserve ‘this’ then you act upon it and feel relieved or that you’d successfully completed your goal, then once you’ve registered it you feel angry, sad, etc, which would then in turn continue the cycle. Overall everyone is unique in how they feel post self harm.
GreysonGreyson
April 3rd, 2019 1:18am
Cutting is a coping mechanism that only helps temporarily. At first, it'll feel right for you but later on, you'll only feel worse and those emotions will come back to you. Cutting will usually give you the urge to continue using this coping mechanism, which is one of the reasons why it's unhealthy. By doing this, you're only hurting yourself more as well as the people who care about you. A better coping mechanism would be to vent to somebody who's willing to let you do that (like with 7 cups listeners) or to distract yourself by doing things such as drawing, reading a book, or watching amusing YouTube videos. Going for a quick walk might also let off some steam.
Anonymous
May 2nd, 2019 9:19pm
When we cut ourselves when we felt stressed, some hormones that caused our stress leaks out with blood. It will make us feel relieved. But when we realized what we did, we’ll feel bad afterwards because we know it’s not something that will cure our stress. It will only harm our body. Knowing that, it would be better if we find another cure to help ourselves like trying to share our stories with close friends or family. Don’t keep it to ourselves because it will only make us keep thinking about the problem and eventually harm ourselves by cutting.
Anonymous
May 5th, 2019 5:25pm
It makes you forget your inner pain for a while, but its consequences are difficult afterwards because when the inner pain disappears, you suffer from external pain with some scars. So, if you do, try to get rid of it and try replacing it with other better ways, like listening to music you love or going to yoga Because in this way you can rest without pain without being hurt, and religiously, because it is forbidden because it harms the body. so Try to protect your body by not doing it again for your soul and medicine for your wounds
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2019 9:21pm
in my experience, self-harm is a temporary solution. self-harm is a coping mechanism, so people use it to feel better, but self-harming doesn't actually address the root causes of our struggles, which is why it is only a temporary fix. beyond that, i also used to attach a lot of guilt to self-harming. i used to feel incredibly guilty because i hated myself for doing it, but i couldn't stop. these are just a few examples of the many possible reasons why you feel like that, but just remember that you're valid, your feelings are valid, and that you can recover. stay safe
AndyT11
June 2nd, 2019 9:59am
Probably it is cliche but cutting really makes you feel something, especially when you have felt numbness and hollowness for so long. Sometimes you do think you deserve it, it is the only thing you deserve to feel - actual pain. You also have this craving to see your blood, see it running, feel it is worth, to spill it pointlessly so that you have made up for all your mistakes. The truth is though that satisfaction is only momentary and then you feel even worse, like you are not good enough because you have not cut that deep, you haven't hurt yourself as bad as you think you deserve. It is one big cycle that let's you crave pain and you never get enough of it. It is almost as if you are not sure what you have become - your own monster
Anonymous
September 1st, 2019 7:39pm
I’ve felt the same way. It’s a temporary release and a way to distract from the problem at hand, but it’s ultimately damaging to you physically and mentally. Whether what you’re feeling is guilt or disappointment it all stems from the fact that self-harm is not an effective coping mechanism. In my personal experience it was like a drug, a sudden rush of satisfaction or adrenaline whenever I did it, but it left me feeling worse than before because now not only have I not solved the root problem, but I added injuries on top of that. Not to mention I was only seeking the satisfaction of pain temporarily, so when the injuries stayed around after I would get no enjoyment from the pain, I only felt hurt and guilty. This may not apply to you, but this was how it’s felt in my personal experience.
Orion44
October 9th, 2019 2:35am
The act of cutting releases dopamine in the brain, which gives you the "feel good" effect. This chemical is also released from food, music, and drugs. This doesn't mean it's a good thing to do though, obviously. The bad feeling I believe is either guilt, or the dopamine wearing off. But, that does mean if you want to get the same good feeling you get from cutting, then music and food also helps to achieve this. Grab a snack, put on some headphones, and work on one of your hobbies and you should be feeling better, without all the guilt afterwards.
Lou73
October 9th, 2019 6:58pm
The release of cutting can numb all the other thoughts and feelings for those few seconds but afterwards, it can often lead to feelings of regret and then you have to deal with the consequences of the self-harm. It can be really hard to think about the future when you are feeling bad but when it comes to days, weeks, months after those times, the marks left behind are a constant reminder of those darker moments. Feeling bad afterwards can also sometimes be because we feel that we have let someone down or broken a promise to someone or yourself.
echo
October 12th, 2019 7:58pm
cutting makes me feel better in the short term because it feels like a physical release from all the emotional problems i keep bottled up. but it makes me feel bad because its only a temporary solution to a bigger problem. and there are consequences from cutting, like all the scars. and then within a few hours the 'high' from cutting has faded and all thats left is the guilt on top of all the feelings that lead you to cutting in the first place. its a hard little cycle to break away from thats why reaching out for help can be beneficial
bubblingFireworks9539
October 27th, 2019 11:46am
The initial feeling is a release, a relief. You do it to make yourself feel better, it's like a drug. The first time you do it, you get almost high off of the feeling. And then as time goes by, you come down from that high. You may feel guilty, ashamed, in pain. And then the urge comes back, but this time it doesn't get you as high, but you crash even lower afterwards. And that's how you get hooked; trying to get the feeling from the first time, back. Meanwhile, the feelings of guilt and shame and the need to hide the addiction increase every time you do it.
Anonymous
November 14th, 2020 4:06am
Your brain produces endorphins whenever you self-harm: it's your body's way of healing from the pain you just experienced. Endorphins are some of the brain chemicals that make us happy, and when we get a rush of endorphins, it can help us feel less depressed. However, this is not a long-term solution, and the endorphins usually run out very quickly. If it ever gets to the point where it is an addiction, you may feel you have to go to extremes to get that same rush of endorphins. Self-harm has more negative effects than positive effects: even if you feel better immediately after hurting, it won't last. Endorphins can be produced in other ways: look into ways you can feel the same surge of happiness without hurting yourself. It may take a while to train your body to no longer crave self-harming, but it will be much better for you in the long run.
Anonymous
April 15th, 2021 8:09pm
All forms of self harm offer a temporary feeling of "relief" from our feelings, in a way. It often gives a sense of control over life or situations. However, we often feel guilt or other less than ideal feelings after engaging in self harm because of a multitude of reasons. These reasons can include things like feeling that it causes your loved ones pain, feeling invalid (everyone's problems are valid, always), and many others. It's important to remember that you have people ready and willing to help you out and offer support, so long as you reach out to them. There is always a way to improve, and in many self harm cases, finding better, healthier coping mechanisms is helpful. Many listeners, including myself are happy to help you out. Please reach out for help and support if you need it. Take care of yourselves, you're all amazing!
Anonymous
February 17th, 2021 2:05am
I think that when you cut yourself you feel this sense of release, it’s better to feel the physical pain than the emotional pain, after you cut yourself you start to feel guilty because you feel indebted to those who care for you, you feel like cutting yourself is almost an act of betrayal to them. You feel like a bad person because you know what your doing is bad but you do it anyways. Soon you grow a habit and you can’t seem to stop, you feel unworthy and selfish for thinking about yourself enough to want to cut yourself, in reality you feel as though you don’t deserve to relieve the pain.
catsareverycool
January 9th, 2021 3:14am
i know exactly how you feel, it feels as if all your problems go away but then once youve done it you feel almost like guilty and like you shouldnt have done it. there are many ways you can try to prevent yourself from cutting, though sometimes nothing works and that can be very frustrating, and i know how you feel, you are not alone, try distract yourself when you feel the urge, maybe talk to a friend if you have someone you can trust? if not try talk to someone on here, there are many people who can offer support and listen to you :)
CarolinaHenriques
January 7th, 2021 1:11pm
Because it feels like a relief when you do it but in the end, it does not change anything, it only makes things worse. It feels like it is going to help but your mind is deceiving you and it does not help after. Under no circumstances give in to that urge because, in the end, nothing will be better or feel better, only worst and the feeling afterwards is not worth it just for a second of "apparent" relief. Your mind is tricking you into making you believe that afterwards, the pain will go away and you will feel better, but you won't, the pain will become greater than before.
intelligentghost246
December 2nd, 2020 5:53am
Self-harm may feel like it improves your mood when you do it because you are focusing the pain to be physical, rather than mental. We feel bad afterwards because we realize the pain is still in our hearts, and now on our bodies as well. We have not solved anything by harming ourselves if anything we have hurt ourselves more. If you feel the need to self-harm, please seek out help from a trained professional. Your safety is so important, and self-harm will not help your current mental state. It can feel shameful to reach out, but everyone wants you to be safe.
Anonymous
April 23rd, 2020 3:38pm
At the moment you are probably looking for something that will make you feel something or something to make you feel better. But after you do it, you may realize what you have done and feel guilty, sad, angry, etc. about the action. When you cut yo get the release you are looking for but after you get the realization and guilt that comes with the action. What you are feeling is a commonality within people who do self-harm. Please stay strong and reach out for help when you need it. The 7 cups community is here for you always.
Anonymous
November 20th, 2020 8:35pm
When we are depressed, we often do things that can harm us. Our brain tricks us into thinking that we are worthless and do not deserve to live. Cutting makes us feel better, because it feels like we are punishing ourselves for our "sins" I'm saying this from experience. However, the reason why it makes us feek bad is because... you're hurting a person. You're hurting yourself. If it was a another erson who deals with self-harm you ob iously would not let them do that right? We should all treat ourselves preciously. Cutting does not make us feek better nor happy at all. It doesn't feel like love or happiness. But the people around us who cares for us do. There are millions lf ways on how to stay happy, our option isn't limited to cutting.
LovelySea
May 13th, 2020 11:54pm
I assume it's because you feel ashamed. How could something so bad make you feel better? It's something you know is bad, but it's the only thing that can make you feel better. When I was in my dark time, I felt so ashamed. I felt so good when i cut, but so bad after. I would hide in the bathroom and cry, cut, then cry because i did this to myself. I felt guilty. I felt like a burden to myself. I did it as a way to punish myself, and the punishment was not physical. It was mental. Overall, it's shame and guilt that make you feel bad afterwords.
DylanletterR
May 28th, 2020 4:43pm
I would first recommend reaching out for professional help, because that is one thing I am not. But, because I have dealt with self harm myself, and I have actually learn about why it makes you feel a certain way, I can tell you two things. One, self harm is a way that people feel it is something they can control, which helps them in a way, and the second thing (scientific) is that when you get an injury, your body naturally releases hormones to "distract you" from the pain. By your body doing this, you feel relief for a short while, and once the hormones wear off, most of the time you end up feeling guilty, because when you were in that moment, you were distracted from what you were doing. I wish you good luck with recovery! I am always here!
Youhavehope123
May 30th, 2020 7:12pm
Cutting is a negative coping mechanism that many people choose to use. In the moment, cutting feels like it makes everything better. But in the long term, it makes everything worse. While you’re cutting, you feel like you have control over something, which in turn can make you feel a lot better. But over time, as you accumulate scars, it makes you feel worse. This is because you feel ashamed that the only coping mechanism you know is to cut yourself. Another reason it makes you feel bad is because hiding the cuts is very difficult. I hope you get the help you deserve, and I hope this was helpful!
Anonymous
June 6th, 2020 5:33pm
Cutting is an addictive method of making ourselves feel better, as both emotional and physical pain is processed in the same part of our brain, emotional pain can be countered and distracted by inflicting physical pain. Physical pain also causes the release of endocannabinoids that act as pain relief and also give us the short term feeling of euphoria. We feel bad afterwards as we now have these wounds that hurt and we have come down from our emotional peak, sort of like how we feel about the things we've said to others when we've been angry at them. From personal experience, the embarrassment and the stress of hiding these new cuts from everyone also made me feel so lost and helpless, making me feel even worse about myself and continuing the cycle of self-harm and self-hate.
JadeLC
June 10th, 2020 5:24pm
Forms of self-harm are often used as an immediate release when we find ourselves extremely overwhelmed or even numb. In that moment, the the singular physical sensation of pain gives the brain one thing to focus on and feel. So in that moment, you may feel temporary relief, but in retrospect, all those underlying feelings/stressors are still there and still causing harm to you. In addition, grappling with the idea that you've harmed yourself can be heavy and a hard concept to accept. It is best to reach out to someone that can help. Especially ones that can help you address why it is you are hurting and what healthy coping strategies can be implemented for long-term care.
Anonymous
September 23rd, 2020 5:47am
i suppose this varies depending on who you are and wha your situation is, but what i can say is the reason you feel good after cutting at first is that youre in control. whatever is troubling you has control over you, what you say, think and do. When you cut thought, you rergain control, if only for a little bit. and then after a while you realise what youve done, and you know its bad and you know you shouldnt do it because its wrong, and then you start to feel terrible. you feel terrible and then the depression comes back harder than ever and it engulfs you, and you lose control again. and its a vicious cycle that is so hard to break unless you get help. but you wont want to get help because the voices say nothing can help you. but your here anyways because you dont believe them. and you shouldnt. sorry for droning on but ya you can get help dont listen to them
Noorya
September 14th, 2020 12:02am
For me I would say it was the pleasure of hurting myself because i thought i deserved it. It was the satisfaction that i was in control of my own pain and that i could inflict it whenever i wanted it. That high from cutting would end quickly because i would feel bad for what i did to my innocent body. I would personally feel bad for hurting myself because i knew deep down i didnt deserve it and i was just trying to immediately satisfy my sadness in some way. Especially since cuts are so visible its hard to avoid and having that physical reminder makes me feel upset with myself for stooping that low.
starrySun736
August 6th, 2020 2:08am
cutting can make you feel good in the moment because it can u give you relief. for some people feeling pain makes you feel better for someonelse it can also distract them from other stresses going on around them. it can however make many people feel bad. after you may regret what you have done and may be more depressed that you can't take it back. you also may be in a tough spot and be ashamed of your scared and now will have to hide it. parents might also punish your or take extra measures to make sure you don't do it again.