How do I know if I cut for attention or not?!

Despite popular belief, cutting for attention is no different than cutting for any other motives like low self-esteem. In fact, when you want more attention, you usually have low self esteem. If you want to know your motives, write in a journal, talk to a shrink, or talk to a friend going through something similar. I didn't know why I cut until I stopped. I realized that cutting didn't help and that it was an addiction. After I stopped, my head was clear and I realized I did it because my self esteem was low. (I wanted poeple to like me, I thought I was fat and ugly, and my dad always told me I was getting fat and that he hated me.)

This question stopped me in my tracks because it fits so well to me. So ill try my best to be helpful.
What your asking is a question that almost boggles the mind: how could you not know why you do things? Or why you do them as such?
You have a bad temper dont you? Do you have unpredictable mood swings?
You suffer from an illness such as ADHD, bi-polar disorder and most likely have had long-term depression. You ARE NOT crazy. And although i know how you feel, its difficult to explain. So i recommend talking to your doctor or a pyschatrist. But you arent crazy....i just wish i was more sophisticated to give you a more detailed answer...take care

Do you hope that other people see? And say something?
Then usually it's for attention. Or you want to kill yourself, but you want people to know. You want people to talk to you, to help you.
Tell someone about your cutting, or call a helpline. (There is one listed for suicides/depression on postsecret.com.)

You have pain inside you that it is hard to make sense of. But you can make sense of cutting your skin, and seeing the wound, and then the blood that comes out. It is soothing to your mind to see what is going on inside of you so clearly illustrated.

maybe ur just shy