Posted by maryhelen on May 17, 2003, at 13:38:07
In reply to Re: Cutting, looking for answers....Re: SCARS, posted by Caleb462 on May 17, 2003, at 3:06:36
I am not a cutter.
Since my own difficulties with depression and pain medication followed by 5 hospitilization and 3 substance abuse programs I have met a lot of people, with a multitude of different psychiatric problems. Personally, I have never met a person who cuts themselves. I would imagine there would have been cutters but, if so, it was 'hidden' either by staff or the patient, being afraid of others not understanding and choosing not to. Or from, the staff, the shock of seeing all the cuts could be upsetting to other patients. Too bad. Of course, I am only speculating and do not know this as being a fact ...but I wonder.
I wonder if cutting is not at the forefront along with all other different 'mental illnesses' because it it too hard for them to come forth and when they do get the standard responses as the rest of us, and so the person goes back into hiding. Our pain doesn't show on the outside, there's does, but there should be no difference.
I was watching a television show on cutters but had come in late. This show was excellent becasue it focus on a number of girls who were cutters and therefore, you get a great deal of information and perspective and understanding that you wouldn't get with a clinical review from a doctor.
The thing that struck me was, as another poster said, for the person cutting they get some relief from the emotional pain they are in because endorphins are released and endorphins can make us feel good. Runners get endorphins, so not suprising a lot get addicted to running.
I guess my point is, if a cutter gets some relief, no matter how small, like a runner, in my mind I can see why they would continue to cut.
Sadly, some of the stories on this showed, that when some of the girls went for help because she cut too deep, the treatment received at the emergency department was deplorable. It would show that in almost every facet of life cutting is the least understood and, somehow, needs to be brought to the forefront.
Many of us drank, did drugs, pain meds, anything to get some refief from the depression
and that seems unacceptably, acceptable.What is the difference for the cutter.
Just quickly, to end, they profiled ONE doctor that these girls could see and his approach has helped almost all the girls. Why is there only one. (there may be more but the show couldn't find anyone else). Sorry, I can't remember the name of the program but if I see that it is coming on again I'll let you know. I wish they had more like it.
I am a little reluctant to send this post because I am not a cutter but I sure can relate the all the feelings that goes around it and I just want to lend my support.
maryhelen
poster:maryhelen
thread:225431
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/227257.html