In my own case, I think that on some occasions it was a kind of self-punishment; on other occasions, it came out of overwhelming stress, and I think a need to somehow convey to others how distressed I was. On the worst occasion, I didn't cut, because just telling a handful of people that I wanted to was enough. Their sympathetic responses meant a great deal.
I know from my own experience that people with depression often feel extremely guilty about how our illness affects others and how we complain all the time. We tend to downplay it so as not to be any trouble. Often this only drives those around us even more wiggy.
(I'm only speaking about depression here - I can't speak to self-harm associated with other mental illnesses, such as eating disorders or personality disorders.)
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-07-26 06:59 am (UTC)I know from my own experience that people with depression often feel extremely guilty about how our illness affects others and how we complain all the time. We tend to downplay it so as not to be any trouble. Often this only drives those around us even more wiggy.
(I'm only speaking about depression here - I can't speak to self-harm associated with other mental illnesses, such as eating disorders or personality disorders.)