(About cutting/self injury. Please Answer T_T) How would you explain this? ?

Question

I've been cutting for about 3 years. I cut with my fingernails though, not blades. But even still the wounds become deep and will bleed quite a bit sometimes. (Not a dangerous amount though.) I have an awful habit of picking apart wounds that are trying to heal and making them open and bleeding again.

Okay, WHAT I -REALLY- WANT TO KNOW:

I can't actually feel pain when I do this. I don't feel any pain from my skin being scratched, picked, or pinched at. I mean, sometimes my hands are covered in blood by time I'm finished, but even still, physically I didn't and don't feel a thing.

HOW is that possible? WHY can't I feel?

Answer 1

Well on your hands and arm most people don't have alot of feeling there. U need real help! to pick at a wound is one thing and boold all over your hands is another!

Answer 2

if you are depressed i would say because your emotion overcloud your feelings. your emotional pain is bigger than the physical pain. Im not an expert but thats my opinion!

Answer 3

There are probably two mechanisms at work: one physical and one psychological.

The physical mechanism involves the release of hormones into your bloodstream: adrenalin and endorphins.  This is a natural physical response to stress.  Athletes experience the same thing, which is why a rugby player can get through a whole game without feeling any pain and only the next day notice the bruises.

The psychological mechanism is dissociation or depersonalisation.  This is a mechanism in which a person removes their conscious self from participation in the events around them and feels as if they are watching from a distance rather than actually involved.  Some people can do it at will; others find it just happens to them.  It is also a natural response to stress.  It often happens to people who have experienced severe trauma.

If you feel no pain when self harming, I imagine you are experiencing a combination of these two mechanisms.

Answer 4

Have to say, you've damaged/decimated the nerves in your arm. If, at the times you are cutting, you can feel the pain in other places, that is. What I'm saying is this: If you feel pain, let's say, in your right arm, but not your left, and you've been cutting your left, you just damaged the nerves. Several of the pressure points in my arms are like that, from years of karate. Gotta say though, as a final note, you need to quit cutting. It doesn't just hurt you.

Answer 5

When you inflict physical pain, your body releases endorphins to make the pain go away.  The endorphins are stopping you from feeling the pain.

Answer 6

You've been doing this for three years! It could be that you have conditioned your brain to the point where just thinking about cutting releases endorphins. Kinda like Pavlov's dogs. You don't feel the pain because the natural pain killers are already in your system- before you even started harming yourself.

   I would hope you are seeing a professional about this, cutting is a self - defeating way of coping with inner pain.  

Answer 7

you don't feel anything because you've basically destroyed your nerves. you should really think about stopping. i know that when you're in the punk/goth scene, it looks really cool. but, let me tell you. i have a scar all down my arm from cutting. i started like you, then it wasn't enough. so now, i had to have a severe surgary to fix my arm. i can't feel anything now with it and it is crippled. so, seriously, you should think about quitting.

Answer 8

You've not said anything about why you cut yourself and how you feel? If you feel depressed it can manifest itself in a multitude of ways ranging from physical pain (of no apparent cause) to lack of energy.

Whatever the reason for you cutting yourself - its not a normal behaviour and I would strongly advice you to seek help. This may be from a healthcare professional or a friend or relative.  

Answer 9

because the pain is on the inside.

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Answer 10

why do you cut yourself?  please don't committ suicide.  it only hurts your friends and family.  a boy i know committed suicide yesterday.  i'm so upset, you have no idea.  just stop cutting yourself.

Answer 11

Do you have any problems with anxiety?  

Dermatillomania is a possiblility, also called compulsive or pathological skin picking, but it's hard to know for sure.  You'd have to see a doctor to be sure. It's possible also that you aren't feeling it because of nerve damage, or are suppressing it.  I've got a few spots that I barely feel, or they don't hurt until later.

Self diagnosis isn't a great idea, you could have something else going on that you should have addressed.  Sometimes this comes from physical instead of mental issues.  I also know it's hard to talk to the doctor's about, but it's a good idea to try.  There is behavioral therapy that can help.

Answer 12

because when you cut your brain releases endorphins.  endorphins basically get rid of the feeling of pain, and create a good feeling.  it will also alter your emotions, thats why ppl who cut tend to feel better while/directly after they do so.