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Why does my girlfriend cut herself?

301 Answers
Last Updated: 10/09/2019 at 2:27am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
penelopecelia
March 4th, 2018 11:50pm
People cut or self-harm for many different reasons. Your girlfriend may be feeling low, unworthy or hopeless, any range of emotions that lead her to self harm. People often turn to self harm as it turns internal pain into a physical thing, they may believe they deserve to hurt themselves and/or if they feel numb, they may self harm as a way of forcing themselves to feel a strong sensation in that very moment. It is important to have an honest discussion with your girlfriend, to let her know that you are there to support her and that you won’t judge her for her self harm. Try gently asking her questions about her emotions and thoughts about her self harm if she is ready to discuss this with you. But most importantly show her you care and are willing to listen whenever she needs it.
Thegirlwhowrites101
March 1st, 2018 3:03pm
There a are many reasons people do this, maybe she thinks something is her fault or maybe she hurts on the inside. All you can do is be there for her.
heartfulloflove04
February 24th, 2018 5:15am
You should really talk to her to see whats on her mind and see if she's doing okay or if she needs any sort of help from you!
MissesOliver
February 23rd, 2018 8:22am
I think it is important to understand that most people do not cut cut in any relation to those that love and support her. There are a variety of reasons why people do the things they do and it is important to have a talk with her but only when she feels ready.
Anonymous
February 20th, 2018 10:50pm
There could be a number of reasons, but it might be because she feels alone, scared or unloved. Maybe you should talk to her about it and figure out her reason. Everyone is different.
InFairness
February 16th, 2018 3:33pm
she may be struggling to express herself,or is thinking that what she is feeling is wrong. I would attempt to give her the space in order to properly express herself.
Anonymous
February 7th, 2018 8:19pm
There are many reasons people self-harm. It can be a way to cope with strong emotions like being overwhelmed. It can be a way to feel real instead of numb. It can be a way to punish yourself or to feel pain. It's different for everybody. Have you tried talking to her about it?
Anonymous
February 7th, 2018 10:45am
Sometimes, people do these things to make them feel something. But, cutting themselves isn't the right way. You could confront her about it and tell her you're there for her through this and you will help her get help, if she wants it. There's no accurate reason for people cutting themselves, sometimes it's because of their traumatic past, sometimes it's because they feel so numb that they want to feel something. It's different on every person.
Anonymous
February 3rd, 2018 11:46am
The reason why people cut themselves are very varied. But mostly I think it is because we can't express feelings or can't feel anything.
MonicaQu
February 3rd, 2018 6:05am
When someone cuts themselves they are dealing with some emotional pain and try to find some relief, or maybe they want to physically feel the pain.
Sammyboi5
February 1st, 2018 4:54pm
There isn't really one reason in particular as to why someone would cut them self. Some do it to stop some emotional pain/trauma. Others do it to let out stress. I hope this helps!
Anonymous
January 25th, 2018 2:04am
There can be many reasons why. A lot of the time people use it as a coping method to deal with stress in life or if they are depressed. Again many reasons and explanations. But sometimes there isn't
Miafern1998
January 17th, 2018 5:09pm
The reason as to why your girlfriend cuts herself could stem from many different things that either have happened in the past, things that are happening now..or even things that could potentially happen in the future. One thing I can say for definite is that she is not cutting to try and hurt your feelings or your relationship with her at all. Although it may appear as though she is doing it as a result of something that may have been done or said within your relationship, that is often not the case. Is she aware that you know she cuts? If so, maybe ask her as to how it helps her, as opposed to why she does it. This may be an easier way of discovering why she does it. If she does not know you know of it, then perhaps just try to talk to her about things going on in her life to see if you could help limit the negative factors in her life, as these may play a part in her cutting.
Sunshinebeam
January 14th, 2018 8:19am
There are many different reasons why someone would hurt themselves. These reasons are very individual and need to be figured out by someone professional as it can quickly become like an addiction and very harmful. It could be a cry for attention or just a physical vent to release pressure. There are many tips on how to resist the urge to do self harm, like meditation or behavioural therapy but in these cases it will always be the best to nudge her to seek professional help.
Jennifer164
January 13th, 2018 10:48am
Maybe because she is going through something really rough.Please try to take her to a psychologist or a psychiatrist.Try to give her all the love and care that she needs.Take care of yourself and your girlfriend.Hope she feels well really soon.
HappyRoses
January 13th, 2018 7:15am
That question has a lot of answers. Consider asking her why she does that. Maybe then, you will get a clear understanding.
Morris310
January 10th, 2018 11:01am
She may feel numb or confused of what she's feeling and by cutting herself she can focus on that pain or that she thinks that physical pain is better than emotinal pain
Anonymous
January 6th, 2018 10:21pm
Sometimes people self-harm to get a release from mental pain. Since I don't know your situation I cannot say what makes her harm herself because there could be many reasons
empathicPerspective10
December 30th, 2017 2:33pm
She may be trying to make her internal pain visible. Mental illness is a very hard pain to manage and when we can see the pain it makes it more real for us.
ConsolingPenguin
December 14th, 2017 11:53pm
She may be going through some emotional situations that she doesn't know how to express into words. As damaging as it is to see her in such a state, remember not to push. If you push for information too much or push her to stop, it may lead to something worse. Be patient, let her talk an listen deeply, maybe consult parents (if you believe if she is in even more danger), and let her figure herself out. She will come to you with it all eventually.
Anonymous
December 13th, 2017 1:54am
She was probably holding the blade of the knife incorrectly. People are all unique, and some of them have different ways of holding utensils. It is important that we show love, care and concern, supporting each other as we learn the ropes to be culinary masters.
Anonymous
December 11th, 2017 4:17am
I have experienced cutting myself, each person has their own reasons of doing it. She must have at one point felt the need to start and possibly doesn't have to control to stop. Knowing someone is there for her might allow her to come to the realization that that is not a solution. Maybe ask her and talk about it?
Emily619
December 7th, 2017 7:38pm
Unfortunately, many people turn to self-harm when they're under great distress. Although it's an unhealthy coping mechanism, they find relief within it. If you wish to speak to her regarding it, it's important to remain calm and to not shame her about it. Talking openly, and offering her alternatives to self-harm can definitely be helpful; such as the Butterfly Project, listening to calming music, using ice, etc. Best of luck!
hipsta
December 7th, 2017 12:06pm
No one but she can tell you the exact reason but we can know this much:- she’s going through a tough time. People often cut to relieve frustration and agony. Be there for her!
LoyalLeo
December 6th, 2017 10:57am
Cutting can often be an emotional response to feeling overwhelmed by either feelings or numbness. Cutting is in either of these circumstances a coping mechanism to release said emotions, or to just "feel"
Anonymous
December 2nd, 2017 3:56am
Your girlfriend is probably depressed but not necessarily. The best thing you can do is to confront her about it. Ask her what's wrong and try to help her with whatever she needs. She is the only person that truly knows why she cuts so you should ask her.
Anonymous
November 29th, 2017 10:44am
There can be a multitude of reasons as to why someone might want to hurt themselves. It is always best to let her know that you are there for her and that she should get help so she doesn't have to cause herself pain anymore.
fairyhaley
June 21st, 2017 5:54am
Your girlfriend may be struggling with some issues, try talking to her about it or talking to someone else about it to get her help if you are concerned for her safety.
joyfulMango66
June 28th, 2017 11:57pm
Self harm can be complicated but normally stems from needing a release of all those emotions she has. Normally it's not a suicide attempt, the pain can help her release those emotions she doesn't know how to release any other way! It's important to be there for her! Tell her how much she means to you and never make fun of her cutting! If she needs help have her message me! I specialize in self harm!
Anonymous
June 22nd, 2017 6:30pm
Self harm happens for a lot of reasons, Some of the reasons that people self harm are; to distract themselves, alter the focus of their attention, or regain control over their minds when experiencing pressing, unavoidable and overwhelming feelings or thoughts. Release tension associated with strong emotions or overwhelming thoughts. Feel something physical when they are otherwise dissociated and numb. Express themselves or communicate and/or document strong emotions they are feeling and cannot otherwise articulate. Punish themselves. Experience a temporary but intense feeling of euphoria that occurs in the immediate aftermath of self-harm.