why do it?

I don't self-hurt and I really don't understand it. I'm sure it gets aggrivating to always be asked this, but please anyone who does, why?

Good question! And a common one. It's hard to pin down the reasons for hurting myself in words. It's complicated. It's a release when I can't open up in any other way. It's a way to punish myself when I feel like I need it. The scars give me a tangible expression of pain. Helping it heal is nurturing. It does hurt, at least for me. (Some self-injurers say it doesn't hurt for them.) I'm fuzzy on how/when I got started. I know that it was in junior high - so many years ago! I did it because there didn't seem to be any other option and I had to do something. But everyone is different. I'd love to hear other people's stories.

Thanks for your response! Did something plant the idea in your head? Did you hear/read about cutting and decide to try it? Is it an addiction? Thanks for humoring me.