Reviewed by Tara Rastelli

You just lost somebody who meant everything to you. You want to scream out, smash something, or cry, but you can’t open your mouth or move your arms. You feel like a gigantic balloon filled with so much air that, any moment, you’ll burst. The pressure on you is too much!! in the misery of the moment you take a razor and cut your arm. To you, the feeling of blade across skin is less painful than the loss of the person you loved. It’s as if the physical pain caused by the “cutting” has somehow been able to take your mind off of or lessen your emotional pain. Not only that, but cutting helps you to feel that you’re in control of your situation and your sadness. At least for a while, cutting calms you and makes you feel more attractive, move alive, more able to feel you’re doing something about your tragic loss.

Most “cutters” or “self-injurers” are teenagers or in their twenties and thirties. More girls than boys abuse themselves. Although self-injurers are only trying to get some relief from their emotional suffering, they put themselves at great risk each time they take a sharp object into their hands. Few of them plan to seriously harm themselves or die, but some do. They cut too deeply and have trouble making the bleeding stop; they may get a serious infection from the wound they create. If two self-injurers use the same blade, they risk spreading illnesses such as Hepatitis and HIV.

If you think anyone you know is practicing self-destructive behavior, do not let him or her suffer in silence. Have the courage to ask questions and offer help. If your friend refuses to listen to you, find some adult your friend can trust. Don’t give up! Encourage the “cutter” you know to talk to someone who will lead him or her to get the professional help, stop the risky behavior, and better deal with the life event that cause such inner pain.