What do you count as "cutting"?

[Bath]

After a while, I realized my definition of cutting has changed, and it's kind of a bad thing.

I was 3 weeks cut free, and yesterday I got angry at something and took my blade in the bathroom and made three scratches on my thigh. They bled a small amount and that was done. But I wouldn't count that as "cutting" (as my personal definition) because it was under different circumstances... it was just quick, took 30 seconds, and it was just to feel a tiny bit of pain to get my anxiety away. Even though I still self harmed, I don't feel as though I did.

I know it was cutting, but I don't feel like it was and in my mind and I don't know whether to count that and start over, or if I should just keep on with the 3 weeks thing. And it's all stupid anyway, I know I can't last much longer even if I don't count it this time.

[ShatteredGlass]

It was a small misstep you dont have to start over maybe instead of making it "the last time I cut" and end up redefining your definition of cutting perhaps make it "when I decided to cope" because thats more empowering and i think the goal is less to stop cutting and more to learn how to adequately cope and express the emotions that drive us to cut because only then can we truly be healed

[Love.Hate]

Honestly I wouldn't count that either if I were you.. But I guess you still set out to psychically harm yourself. I say if it bleeds and I have done more than five, then it most definitely counts. But I guess Its harder to know whether you gave in or not.. As you went so long. Judge it on your own opinion. At the end of the day, getting to three weeks is amazing and Its a shame for that to be ruined by a few little scratches.

[Megson]

I actually did something very similar the other day. I gave myself a tiny cut on my shoulder, it bled a little, and that was it. And I didn't count it as cutting, even though it kind of is...

[SinisterMystery]

My definition on 'cutting' is anything deeper than 3mm. Otherwise it's just a scratch.

[Aubrie]

Self-harm is self-harm IMO. Scratching = cutting

[xXl0sth0peXx]

I would consider that cutting.. That's just my thoughts, though.

You took a blade of some kind and stuck it into your skin. Harm. I don't think it matters how long it takes, how deep it is, etc. If you do it for any amount of time anywhere at any depth, you're cutting..

I could see it go both ways though I guess..

[anonymous53]

My definition of cutting tends to be anything involving a blade or sharp instrument to harm myself.

[Amaryllis]

Cutting used to be when I made my skin red or worse. Now it's if it bleeds in at least 5 different areas. Or if it's at least 9mm deep and requires stitches. Though I never do get those so it just keeps bleeding.

[sosew96]

I count it as breaking the skin with an object and bleeding. No bleeding, no cuts.