Not Cutting= Scratching?
 

I haven't cut in almost six months, but I noticed yesterday that I had several scratches on my arms and hands. I woke up and they were there. I figure that I scratched myself during my sleep, and I think this has something to do with not cutting. I'm going through a 'harder' time in life, and I used to just run to self harm to release everything I felt. I don't want to do that..

Scratching yourself, even if you aren't aware you are doing it, is considered self harm, correct?

So I can't say that I'm almost six months free? =/

I consider scratching self harm, but I'm not sure about it if you aren't aware of it. *hugs* That's still an incredible accomplishment to be 6 months free, you should be proud :)

Hey
Yes, scratching yourself is self-harm. Though, I'm not sure if it counts if you're not aware of yourself doing it. Well done on 6 months though! xo.

I'd say yes. I've just recently stopped, almost at one week now. But I've been so overly cautious as to have my friends scratch me instead of myself, just in case. I'd still consider you six months free, especially if you've been doing it in your sleep. However, You might want to trim your nails or wrap something around your hands to aviod scratching, especially if you're trying to stop. Congrats on the six months! I'm amazed. I've been having a difficult time with one week. Congrats!
PM me if you need anything.
Love,
J.J.

I don't know actually! Scratching is still self harm... but you're not aware... I think that yet, it is still self harm BUT i wouldn't give up on your 6 months free! But is there anyone you can talk to about what's happening? also maybe wear some sort of glove when you sleep? Is it happening much or is this the first time?

This is the first time that it's happened. I actually don't know how I managed it in the first place, because my fingernails are basically non- existent.

Here's what I'll do- I'll continue to count the almost six months free of cutting, but I'll start a count for the scratching.. That way, it's seperated and I'll still have a feeling of accomplishment for resisting cutting. Would that work?

As for talking with someone- I asked my guidance counselor if I could meet with her. I'm not quite sure if it will work, as I have tried it before.

Don't count another thing. If it's the first time, then just count it as a slip up. *cuddles* Maybe she could just help you pin down what was causing the stress or something?

Not sure.

you have done REALLY well to not cut for 6 months! I would count this as a small slip. :)

But if you slip up, don't you just have to go back to zero?

I don't think so. In 2 years i slipped up 10 times. but that was over a 2 year period. I wasn't cutting again per se. if you were cutting regularly or scratching regularly (ever day, weekly etc) then I would say yes, you would start counting again... but a one off slip up? I don't think so. *cuddles* it depends on how YOU look at it. I think it's different for everyone :)

Hmmm.. I suppose.

Thank yous, everyone!
-Huggles-

Yes, scratching is self harm
But are you aware of it?


if you're doing it at night when you KNOW you're asleep, it's ot out of your own volition, so im not sure if it counts

I don't think it counts as self harm.

I would define 'self harm' as the DELIBERATE infliction on an injury to yourself

If you are asleep then your not in control of your actions and as such I don't think you are capable of doing anything deliberately

It's really up to you how you count it. Personally I wouldn't count it as slipping up if I wasn't aware of it.

So, it is considered self harm. I already knew that. But if I'm not aware of it, it wouldn't be considered self harm. That makes sense.

All I know is that I wake up in the morning, and I've been having scratches. I'll try wearing gloves or something and see if that helps.

Thank you everyone for replying. =)