Is picking at scabs considered self-mutilation?!
Question: I've been doing it for as long as I can remember...
Answers: I've been doing it for as long as I can remember...
It depends on how you feel about it and what -you- think. Self-mutilation generally refers to someone cutting, burning, or otherwise seriously hurting herself out of depression, anxiety, anger, or similar intense emotions.
Picking at scabs when you're bored would not constitute self-mutilation. Pulling off your scabs because you feel out of control or you need to feel pain to feel better would constitute self-mutilation. If this is the case, Echosong, please talk to someone about it like your school counselor. You don't have to keep feeling like that.
I would not think so. I think it is most likely a nervous habit, kinda like biting fingernails. I used to do it when I was younger, but haven't done it since High School.
Depends on the extent-If you just pick the scab itself they will sometimes classify it as "picking behavior". If you dig deeper and increase the size it can be considered self mutilation.
Actually, I think its healthy for your body... but I'm not 100%sure.
If you pick your scabs to feel a rush of endorphins that makes you feel "better", "alive", or "in control"...then yes.
No, I pick my scabs off before they are ready to come off, but i just really don't like the way they look. I do put a dab of triple antibiotic ointment on the wound after I picked the scab off, and that helps heal the injury quicker.
I really don't know. I've been a scab-picker almost since birth. I suppose some of that is nervous habit. In later years, though, when I SI'ed, it increased tenfold, along with the cutting, etc. Depending on your reasoning, I suppose it could be.