Help?

[xXoblivionXx]

My friend's younger sister has been cutting and she is really scared about her. So she has come to me to try and get help for her sister but she doesn't really understand. I explain to her that self harm is sort of psychological mishap, the hardships of life blind you from logic. but she still doesn't understand why you cause pain to get rid of the pain... I'm trying to help but she just doesn't understand. I really want to help her so she can help her sister but I don't know how or what to say. Plus her sister is very proud of her scars, she has a friend that says it's okay to cut and it makes you brave. It doesn't, it does the exact opposite. I don't want this to get any worse...

[Ambrosia]

For most, cutting is a form of release when they feel overwhelmed with various emotions or just life. It can be a way to feel something when someone feels numb, and so on. It's an addiction, of sorts. That's all I can really say, many people have different reasons for doing so.

Cutting is a coping mechanism, granted an unhealthy one, that helps people to handle intense feelings of upset or pressure.
The brain releases endorphins when the body is cut. These endorphins provide pain relief and a sense of well-being, thus relieving psychological pain.
Because of the release of endorphins, cutting can become a compulsive behavior. The next time emotions are at a high, the brain craves the relief that the endorphins provide.
People who cut themselves tend to be people without the skills to express these strong feelings in more healthy ways. They need to learn self-soothing methods that are not injurious.
People who cut themselves sometimes also suffer from other mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, eating disorders or other challenges, though this is not always the case.


Send her to these sites, they are simple and explain it easily for someone to understand: http://www.howtodothings.com/health-and-fitness/a4679-how-to-understand-people-who-cut-themselves.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html

[xXoblivionXx]

thanks so much Lexi! I hope this helps her understand a bit more.