Cutters

There is an undergroud movement that doesn't get much attention. It pertains to cutting on oneself. When the emotional pain is so great, those who don't have the emotional tools to handle their state will resort to physical torture on themselves. Why? For the average person this behavior seems upsurd!

The average person will have the emotional resources to handle the stresses of life. For individuals that have surpassed their ability to cope, it is almost like a minor suicide attempt. It is as if a person is tipping their toe into the pool to test the water.

For proper mental health the real issue is not our issue - or the problems that confront us, the real issue is how we relate to ourselves as we face our issues. Basically how we are with ourselves in any given moment is the ultimate issue!

How are you with you when you wake up, drive to work or school, interact with a parent, the boss, or a teacher? That is a great gauge on how you are doing with yourself. Ultimately how we treat ourselves is how we treat other individuals. Therefore it is critical to treat ourselves with dignity and compassion.

When we cut on ourselves, we give ourself the message that we dislike us. This is a red flag. If our relationship with self is at such a low place that we begin harming ourselves, professionals need to get involved. Without the proper tools, approach, and guidance, this behavior will not fade on its own, in fact more extreme measures tend to take place - suicide. This is why there is such a high number of suicide attempts made by teenagers. They tend to lack the proper tools to work through dark upset.

Therapy in these cases can be very successful. In learning how to tend to the hurting part inside of us that we hate and transforming that "inner relationship" is the key to not only cutting, but to overall mental health.

As I told a client today, "We are with ourselves 24/7 for everyday of our life. How do you want your relationship with yourself to be from now on?"