Should this really be classified as self harm?!

Question: Should this really be classified as self harm?

When I'm really stressed or am feeling really out of sorts, I cut the back of my arm with a pencil. Like, a mechanical one. Hard enough to break the skin, and so that it's painful, but ive never done it so deep that I've bled. I didn't realize i actually had cut the skin the first time it happened in June of last year, and since then have only done it once or twice. I did again today, and now I'm getting a bit more interested in it. Same of the cuts tanned over summer, and are visible, but most heal and fade to red, then nearly invisible white scars. I'm pretty pale, so no one has noticed.

I wanted to know if this should actually be self harm, as I really dont WANT to cut up my arm. I get really self conscious about the marks, and dont like when/if people notice and ask questions about them. I generally use the cat scratches remark, but my other arm isnt cut, an there are too many little cuts for that to be plausible anymore. Help?

Answers:

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You really need to stop before this becomes an addiction I can guarantee that the cuts will get deeper and it will scar worse than it is already.

But yes to answer your question yes it is considered self harm if you are intentionally harming yourself in anyway whether it is serious injuries or not.

You should speak to your GP about this and see what they suggest they may suggest you see a psychologist which I think would benefit you greatly.

Please stop while you can

Self harmer for ten yrs quit for nearly 2 months now.

Yes, that's self harm. I used to take a dull knife and cut my arm... Just enough to sting, but it was never deep. I was severely depressed, but I didn't want scars... Maybe you should talk to your parents or school counselor. Try to find safer stress relievers. Maybe get a rubber band and snap it on your wrist instead? It may sting a little, but it can't cause any serious damage.. Good Luck! :)

Yes this is self harm, but relax. I suggest you go to a therapist and talk about what stresses you and explain this problem. They will provide support and help.

Best wishes!

Um well yes. Whenever you break skin or break any part of your body, it is self harm.

i cut with a pencil i cut the word life in the back of my hand about a week ago and i have the word hope in my ankle .... i started in 5th grd because other people were i started by doing the first letter of my bfs name then i just did lines ... well my teacher said shed call some person and said i was suicidal so that scared me enough to stop then in 7th grd at a my friends bday party she had a sleepover and we were playing the abc game (u have to put a word with each letter and u don't stop cutting the line til you get through the whole alphabet) then this girl drew a smile face in my right hand with a fake nail (i still have the scare) i stoped and now im doin it again .... all i have to say is be careful. i didn't realize how deep i was going and cut my self and bleed really bad .....

meee

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Should this really be classified as self harm?!

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