What is self mutilation?

Question

I heard someone say the word self mutilation the other day and I have know idea what it means.

Answer 1

Cutting or causing any type of physical harm to yourself.

I think that replacing physical pain to blank out emotional pain should be added as self mutilation as well.

Answer 2

Self mutilation are physical injuries inflicted upon oneself without suicidal intent.

examples include:

Hair pulling

Banging head on objects

Punching oneself

Cutting self with razor blade, knife, or another sharp object

Skin picking

Scab picking

Scratching oneself in order to inflict harm

Burning self with lighter, cigarette, or another flammable source

Some cultures and/or individuals might include tattoos and piercings as well.

The reasons for this behavior is varied and often complex. Psychological factors are often involved. Abuse is often a part of the person's history.

Answer 3

Most often this term is used by people referring to emasculation for religious purposes. But anyone that deliberately cuts, or harms their bodies can be accused of self mutilation. And, in my estimation, that includes body piercing, and even tattooing.

Answer 4

It is harming yourself, like deliberately cutting your arms

Answer 5

Self mutilation is a vast subject. It can mean that someone is emotionally, spiritually or any kind of aspect to be overwhelmed and/or depressed with there life or a situation. Or they could be stressed and this is the only way that takes there mind of it. Or they could be doing it for artistic purposes and it has nothing to do with there emotional state at all. It can also be done for religious purposes as well. I myself do it at random times depending upon the situation. There are sometimes when I cut myself to feel something other than the pain I am in during that particular time and there are times like tonight when I cut myself, I did it for artistic purposes. I did it in a particular way, it almost looks ceremonial.

Answer 6

Self mutilation is when someone physically and purposely harms themself. Most commonly they will cut themselves with razors or knives. Generally a person who does this is in a lot of mental anguish or may even have a psychology disorder (i.e. depression). Needless to say this is very unhealthy and if you know anyone with this problem you should guide them to get help.

Answer 7

it can mean people who physically hurt their selves. it can also mean people who harm their selves on a spiritual or mental level.  one example is i knew this solder in germany  who would get his kicks from cutting himself wide open. the last time i saw him he had just had 43 stitches in his right thigh.  this is a physcile form of self mutilation. the second was a women who would find and chose the same type of boy friend. after four or five times you would think she would find some one less abusive. what all these people have in common is a need to feel pain. there is some thing in these people that needs to feel pain. maybe to feel alive? i do not know.  still there is more than one type of self mutilation.

Answer 8

Self mutilation in reality means that we just waste our life in materialism and defeat the very purpose of life itself.

The purpose of life is to go upward from this birth so as to free ourselves from the cycle of rebirths.This is called salvation or relising the self or god or becoming immortal.etc etc.

Answer 9

It means that people harm themselves physically.

Answer 10

Simple, it means to mutilate your (self). Anything done to harm ones self physically can be defined as self mutilation. It can be extreme like burning or cutting yourself to something as seemingly benign as chewing your nails to the point in which it hurts.  

Answer 11

Some people because of stress,

abuse, unhappiness with themselves,

and/or problems in life injury themselves.

They inflict punishment on their bodies

with an instrument.  Sometimes, an

instrument isn't used.  Although, they

don't have suicidal thoughts.

Answer 12

In addition to the other externally definitive answers, I offer that the underlying root of the matter is addiction to adrenaline and endorphins, whatever the heightened needs of the individual leaning them toward it. These needs can include the rebounding from oppressive social factors, or any negative events recurring in the person's life. Or maybe just a natural tendency toward extreme partying, gone really extreme! The "cure" is to take the aerial view, and see a simple addiction to internal chemicals, and possibly modifiable environmental causes of the reaction. Also to see that such behavior only makes sense with "one's head down". Regards, Larry.

Answer 13

Self mutilation doesn't always mean someone is troubled. It has become increasingly popular in some circles.

http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/2000021...



It is a form of art. much like tattoos and piercings.