Patients that Cut This condition seems very unusual to most people; however, it is actually a common condition. It mainly occurs in teenage girls, but no one is immune. What is Cutting About? This illness affects 1 out of every 12 teen girls either now, or has in the past cut themselves, that is an astonishing number. So why, you must wonder, does anyone purposely take a sharp object and cut themselves open. Well, it may seem very strange but in some cases, it makes the person cutting feel better. The reasons people cut themselves varies depending on the person doing the cuttingSome people cut themselves for the attention it brings them. The highest group of this type, based on studies, seems to be young teens that have a sibling with a disability, or a serious illness. It's easy to understand the healthy sibling may feel left out at times, and when you consider it, what gains attention? Sickness or physical injury. To relieve depression. This is the most common reason that teen girls cut themselves, it actually does release endorphins. It's not easy being a teen, with tons of peer pressure, and expectations, not to mention school work, life can be overwhelming. Cutting, and letting the area bleed can make some people feel relieved, better. Of course, the feeling from the immediate but temporary endorphins does not last, so in many cases the person assumes the only option is to cut again thus leading to a vicious and dangerous cycle. A guilt complex can be a very strong emotion, and for some people cutting their body as a form of self-mutilation is a punishment they feel they deserve. It hurts, so in essence they feel they have received some payback for anything they have done wrong. Related: The Top 10 Complaints from Nurses Dangers of Cutting There are multiple dangers of this fairly popular trend, and they should be recognized. A person using a razor blade to cut their own skin may assume they know exactly where to cut and bleed, but not be seriously injured. The problem is, they are not always right. A patient that hits the wrong spot could bleed to death before receiving help. A 17-year-old girl cut her upper bicep so that the cut would be hidden under her sleeves. The problem was, she cut an artery, and after cutting herself, and laying down, she bled to death in her own bed.
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Infection is a strong possibility with multiple cuts. Patients often don't realize there is a problem until they learn their blood count indicated infection. When a doctor confronts a patient regarding the multiple and obviously self-inflicted cuts, the patient is usually very defensive and insulted. Many people in a situation where their doctor confronts them will simply change medical providers. Using a razor for multiple cuts can increase the risk of contamination and increase the likelihood of infections.
Recognizing a Cutter The best way to help a person that is hurting themselves is to obviously stop them. In most cases, they will not stop until confronted, and receiving help. Once confronted the patient will hopefully be receptive to accepting help for their addiction. Patients that choose to wear long sleeves and long pants, even in very warm weather, may be doing so to cover arms and legs from a form of self-injury. Patients that have multiple cuts and scars on their body. Examine the cuts and scars. Cutters almost always cut on the opposite side of the body from which hand they write with. Cuts are generally very straight and unnatural looking, almost surgical like. If someone is continuously getting cut, and the cuts appear very similar, that is reason to suspect a case of self-harm. Related: How to Become the Most Efficient Nursing Student Patients that are harming themselves need counseling, but it's important to approach the subject carefully as most patients are very upset when their behavior is exposed. Active listening is the best approach if a patient begins to reveal information regarding their self-harming. Never judge, or ask why. It's important to see that the patient receives proper help, which may begin as a conversation with their nurse. Related: Reputable Registered Nurse Barbara F. Delo, RN, will be Highlighted in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, Twitter