This document discusses cutting and self-injury. It defines cutting as intentionally harming oneself, usually by cutting the skin with a sharp object, to relieve emotional distress. Cutting is associated with disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder. While not usually a suicide attempt, those who cut are at higher risk of suicide. Reasons for cutting include managing stress, feeling something, and communicating internal pain. Treatment options include therapy and medication to address underlying issues. Seeking help from professionals and loved ones is encouraged.

1. University of South Florida Lakeland
Stephanie Clark

3. WHAT IS CUTTING?
Cutting is the most common form of a
syndrome of behaviors known as
Self-Injury (SI)
“Cutters” slice or scratch the skin with
a sharp object to draw blood
SI is not a distinct disorder, but a
symptom of other disorders

4. WHAT IS CUTTING?
DSM-IV-TR lists SI as a symptom of
Borderline Personality Disorder
It is also associated with:
• Depression & Anxiety
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Eating Disorders & Substance Abuse
• Schizophrenia

5. WHO CUTS?
• Cutting is most common in adolescence &
young adulthood, but can occur at any
age
• Many cutters share traits associated with:
• Most cutters are female, but some are
male
• Many have histories of
Low Self-Esteem or Perfectionism
&

6. HOW CAN I TELL?
 Unexplained wounds or scars
 Blood stains on clothing, towels,
or bedding
 Sharp objects among the
person’s belongings
 Frequent “accidents”
 Covering up legs & arms, even in hot
weather
 Isolating in the bedroom or bathroom

7. IS CUTTING A SUICIDE ATTEMPT?
No, the intent of cutting is not to die
But the relationship between cutting
and suicide is complex:
• Cutting can be life-threatening
• Suicide risk is greater for self-injurers
• 40% - 60%

8. IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Female, 15
Began to SI at age 14
Male, 19
Began to SI at age 13
Female, 16
Began to SI at age 16
Female, 17
Began to SI at age 12

9. THEN WHY DO THEY DO IT?
Manage Stress & Emotional Pain
Counter Feelings of Numbness
“So i can breath. So i can feel the release of
all the built up anxiety”
“It's the only way I know I'm alive, the only
way I know my feet are on the ground.”

10. THEN WHY DO THEY DO IT?
Achieve a State of Euphoria
Communicate the Un-Sayable
“Nothing feels as good as cutting. Nothing
gives me that rush.”
I'm taking all my emotional scars and
bringing them to the surface.”

11. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
 Deal with your own feelings.
 Learn about the problem.
 Don’t judge.
 Offer support and encouragement, not
ultimatums.
 Encourage communication and listen.
 Plan family activities to prevent isolation

12. WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(DBT)
 Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques +
 Distress tolerance techniques +
 Techniques to regulate emotion +
 Mindfulness (a Buddhist meditative
practice)

13. WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Talk therapy
+
Medication
(for the underlying disorder)
Self-Injury can be LIFE-THREATENING
Please seek PROFESSIONAL HELP
&

15. YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE THIS WAY
You are not CRAZY.
You are not ALONE.
You can STOP.
You can be FREE.
You can SURVIVE without cutting.

16. HELP US HELP YOU
• Tell someone - Your parents, a teacher,
the guidance counselor, a friend
• Seek professional help - You can’t do this
alone
• Build a tool box and fill it with tools.


17. SOME TOOLS FOR THE TOOLBOX
1. Develop a Self-Injury Safety Plan
2. Use Affirmations
3. Carry an “Anchor”
Click on the tool
box for more
information

18. Double-Click
images to view
documents
Click outside
the document
to return to
slideshow

19. ONLINE RESOURCES
Psyke.com
SelfHarm.net
Self-Injury.net
Self-Injury-Help.com
Recover-Your-Life.com
Click on links to
launch website

20. NATIONAL HOTLINES
SAFE (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT CUT
Nat’l Adolescent Suicide Hotline 1-800-621-4000
Nat’l Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK
Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention 1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-999-9999
Boys Town National Hotline 1-800-448-3000
Nat’l Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-448-4663