Q:
Sometimes when I get really stressed out, I cut my arm or leg with a razor blade. Not ever enough to need stitches, really but enough to bleed and leave scars. Am I the only one that does this? Am I really crazy?
A:
You are surely not the only one to do this (which is called self-mutilation) and it does not mean you are "crazy" at all. You have found a way to relieve stress that involves pain and pain releases brain chemicals that are reinforcing for the behavior and relieve your anxiety. It is, however, not healthy or advisable behavior and it can become more self-destructive over time, and it is best to get help to try to find alternative ways to relieve stress that will not cause permanent scarring both physically and emotionally. There are very effective treatments for self-mutilation, both in counseling and in the use of medications and both the Counseling Center and the Student Health Center are very familiar with treatment of these kinds of problems and would be more than happy to help as best we can.
~The Doc
