Any of you read Kathe Koja’s Skin? (That book still haunts me)
Out of the several people I’ve known who cut, one definately had a connection to an eating disorder. However, she told me that both the anorexia and the cutting were more about having something she could control in her life. So yes, I’ve heard of this.
I agree- that’s the explanation I’ve been given for why some SIers hide their injuries and some almost seem to display them.
My reaction would be negative- I think providing blades is more likely to trigger more SI. Besides, every SIer that I’ve talked to was meticulous about cleaning cuts, using antiseptics, that sort of thing, so I’m not sure there’s much risk of infection there, except possibly for those who SI as a social activity, and that seems to be a small minority.
There are quite a few celebrities who have admitted they self-injure (or have in the past). Johnny Depp, Princess Diana, Angelina, Fiona Apple, Shirley Manson, Courtney Love…
http://www.self-injury.net/doyousi/famous/
I SI also. When I have some time I’m elaborate on that a bit.
Now that we’re allowed to talk about this subject, could some kind folks offer some insight regarding post #28. (Thanks Jahdra and iampunha for your input).
I’m not really looking for the big magic one-size-fits-all answer for everyone; I’m looking for your own answer based your own personal experience.
If you have specific cases you’d like to be able to handle more capably, I’m happy to discuss the specifics (in private or public–your call), if you’d like. I’m not a therapist, likely won’t ever be and have no clinical training, but I have at least been in therapy on a number of occasions (though never for SI), so I have at least a slight handle on how things go.