Transcript
0:00 Why is cutting us feel good? So if you are anxious and you're feeling super anxious and you're uncomfortable and you can't catch your breath and you take a rubber band and snap yourself really, really hard, your body has to choose, am I focusing on this anxiety or I'm focusing on my pain and an endorphin is released in order to manage that pain. It does work, is the problem. And so when kids start to communicate that a lot of times when they're having an anxiety attack or something's happening and they can't get themselves sad, settled, one thing that helps them get settled is cutting and hurting.
0:33 And it's neurochemical. A lot of it is a badge of honor. Like if I go to school and I have these, I get attention from that. So there's secondary gain in it. But the actual cutting itself, whether it's burning or cutting or scratching, like whatever it is, self harm. Self harm, yeah. And eating disorders are considered a type of self harm. To me. That is really them trying to manage an emotional state that gives them a neurochemical response when they do it.
Summary
- Self-harm, including cutting and eating disorders, is often a response to anxiety and emotional pain.
- The physical pain from self-harm can trigger endorphin release, providing temporary relief.
- Engaging in self-harm can serve as a way to manage overwhelming emotions.
- There is a social aspect to self-harm, where individuals may receive attention or validation from peers.
- The neurochemical response to self-harm can create a cycle that reinforces the behavior.