Is self-harm alone important enough to go to a doctor about?

Question

I don't have depression or anything.

And I don't have any problems in my past like abuse or anything.

It's just a bad habit I've fallen into.

So is it important enough to see a doctor about or not because I don't have depression or anything?

I'm only asking because a friend wants me to see a doctor but I can't help but think it's a waste of mine and the doctors time.

Also, if I did see a doctor, what do you say?

Answer 1

its not a waste of time, go see a doctor

Answer 2

if your not depressed and its just a habit, stop the habit and prove that you can to yourself. Why are you doing it?

this happend to a friend of mine who said it was just a habit and well... she went a little to far with her habit and almost ended up with stitches (and worse). I understand that feeling of helplessness and just wanting to do it but if your feeling that then you are depressed. better to talk to someone who knows this sort of stuff so go to the doctor, what can it hurt?

Answer 3

Usually, people cut as a way to deal with stress and anxiety, so you may need to find ways to deal without (self harm) or cutting.

I do think you should see a psychiatrist or therapist to help you identify what you're thinking when you self harm and possibly perscribe meds, if you need them.

When you go to the psychiatrist, tell them that you're having problems with self harm and you don't know why.  That's enough to get a dialogue going and find out why you're self-harming.

Answer 4

Let me ask you this: Is drug abuse alone important enough to go to a doctor about? What about alcoholism? Or s*x addiction? Or even smoking?

What if the s*x addict has never been abused? What if the drug addict comes from a good family backround and has lots of friends? What if the alcoholic is a rich, successful lawyer? What if the smoker is a healthy individual, mentally and physically?

The s*x addict should seek help because while she has never been abused, she is more likely to be sexually victimized because of her addiction. The drug addict should seek help because his addiction could destroy his relationship with his family and friends. The alcoholic should seek help because her addiction could destroy her career. And the smoker should get help because smoking could destroy his healthy body.

Addiction ruins lives. Addiction destroys souls. Addiction kills. It doesn't matter how good your life is or how healthy you may be. Addiction does not discriminate and if you do not address the problem, it will get worse. Self-injury is just as dangerous and destructive as any other addiction, albeit in different ways. It may not make you show up to work drunk, but it can still ruin your career. It may not be as expensive as drug addiction, but you will still find yourself lying to and manipulating those you love in order to fuel your addiction. And it may not give you cancer, AIDS, fry your brain, or destroy your liver, but it leaves you vulnerable to nasty infections, anemia, and, of course, accidents do happen. And if you leave your addiction untreated, it can cause depression. I know this, because I self-injure, and it has taken over my life. I can't see inside your head and I won't pretend that I can, but my guess is that you have not been hurting yourself for very long. I know that when I started hurting myself at age seven I never imagined becoming addicted. The longer you hurt yourself, the more dependent you will become on SI, and the more your self-injury will escalate. Now, at age sixteen (!), I hurt myself multiple times a day and become physically ill if I don't. My world revolves around SI, and I cannot imagine my life without it. I have just started to seek help, but I can tell you right now that I have a long and painful journey ahead of me. Please, if you have not been hurting yourself for a long time, I urge you to seek help right now and don't wait as long as I did. You only live life once, and you don't want to live it as an addict.

It is not a waste of the doctor's time, nor is it a waste of yours. There is nothing wrong with seeking help. If your doctor doesn't help you, go to a different one. Don't give up too easily. Be strong, and you can beat this thing. You will be in my prayers.