Is 9 stitches a lot for self-harm?
My family, friends are concerned because I cut my arm and got 9 stitches. I don't think this is many, but they're making a big deal over how many stitches there were. Just to be clear, I'm not trying to be competitive or anything, I was just wondering if it's such a big deal. Thank yuu. :3
Is 9 stitches a lot for self-harm?
I believe we should concern ourselves more with the underlying reasons which must cause you to do self harm in the first place. There must be something in your life that causes you to feel you need to resort to self-harm because you have an unresolved issue in your life with which you can't deal and the only way you find a feeling of being in control is by self harm. Let's leave the depth of your self inflicted wound aside, let's instead concentrate on how you feel deep inside, what problems you have, what fears? Accept that you need the help of a professional councelor to make you understand why you really do this and to find a better way to deal with whatever bothers and weighs you down in life, so that you learn to deal with it in a non-destructive way. Just accept that you are worthy of getting help and go for the help, because you are not the only one with problems of self harm but you need to allow a professional to help you to stop doing this to you and get control over your life. Some wounds can be superficial and need a lot of stitches because they cover a big area of your skin, but it doesn't necessarly mean that the amount of stitches means that those are the most dangerous wounds. A simple single tiny deep wound could cause you to bleed to death, whereas a lot of multiple surface wounds that cover a large area of your arm may need a lot of stitches but none of them has to endanger your life. The issue is to solve the reason behind your cutting and get you help. I am sure you don't do it to get attention or to be competitive, you must have some deeprooted problems and you need to feel worthy enough to see a councelor to make you stop mutilating yourself...and find better ways for dealing with problems in your life. x
Do I need stitches? I have a self-harm cut and the edges of the cut aren’t closed it’s gaping but stopped bleeding
UHey there, and really sorry I'm just getting back to you. I assume you have gotten this taken care of by now, but I will answer anyway. Certain medical sites say if it's 2 inches in length or more than a 1/4 inch in depth I think. They also say if it's gaping. If the bleeding has stopped all you would need to worry about is infection if it's not stitched, and a scar. Stitching is supposed to reduce that. I think webmd says to keep it clean w/ mild soap, like Softsoap and warm water, and then bandage it during the day with antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. Then at night, let it air out. Sometimes if it's too deep I think they say don't use Neosporin. I am not trying to make you out to be stupid w/the detailed info. I have heard some people get annoyed by it.Just to let you know I self-harm also, so know this is coming from someone who has. Also, if you feel you need someone to talk to, @purrynicole on Twitter is where you can reach me.If this happens again, also know I have had stitches in self-harm cuts at the Dr. I wasn't admitted or anything if you fear that. Please don't ever let that fear cost you your life. They should just stitch you up and let you go, unless your suicidal, then they would want to keep you for your safety.Best of wishes.I just wanted to add that I do recommend you seek help. I told my PCP and they weren't judgemental, and never should be. I have since been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.
How can you tell if a self harm cut needs stitches?
As a general rule: * If the wound is "gaping" ( that is, natural swelling isn't able to keep it shut)* If you can see the fat layer beneath the skin, or*If you cannot stop the bleeding with steady, hard pressure after 10-15 minutes, you need to seek medical attention.From the way this question is worded, I'm going to assume that you don't want to call attention to your self harm by seeing a medical professional for stitches. While I'm hesitant to enable you, I also know how awful it is to feel cornered by needing medical treatment, and therefore bringing attention to your self harm.So, in light of that - it is possible to close a wound yourself without the aid of a medical professional, without stitches. You'll need something called steri-strips, which are adhesive strips meant to hold wounds closed in place of stitches. You can find these anywhere that sells first aid, for under $10, and you should only need two or three small pieces. A box of steri-strips is invaluable to have, and it lasts a while. However, if the wound has been exposed to air for more than 24 hours, then it needs to heal naturally without being held shut, because at that point it's had too much exposure to bacteria, and closing the wound would trap that nasty shit inside. If the wound is less than 24 hours old, and you do not want to seek medical attention, this will be invaluable:How to Apply Steri Strips | eHow How to Clean a Wound I sincerely hope that you can find another way to cope with things. Self harm ruined my appearance, my relationships, and got me into psychiatric lockup for most of my teenage years that left me with some significant emotional issues. If there's anything I can do to help, if you need someone to listen or advice (both on wound care or general self harm issues) or a shoulder to cry on, please don't hesitate to shoot me a message. I'll be glad to help in any way I can, and my inbox is always open to you. From someone who's been there, I promise that things do get easier to deal with. Just be safe until they do. I'm thinking of you.
How to tell my parents I need to get stitches for my self harm?
Just show them the cut and beg them not to argue with you and tell them you need to go the ER for stitches. Tell them that you'll explain to them about your cutting in a few days. Examples you can use: 1) "Mom, can I talk to you about something?" 2) "I need to show you something. Please, please don't lecture me...but.." 3) "I need stitches mom," 4) "Please don't yell at me...but I need to get stitches," 5) "Mom...I need to show you something...I need stitches. I promise I'll explain later. Please don't yell at me..." 6) May I show you something...mom." 7) "I know this isn't gonna be easy to see but...I need to be taken to the ER....please don't yell at me...I really need your support right now." 8) "Mom...I need to go to the ER." 9) "Umm...mom...before I show you something...please...please and I beg you...please don't yell at me...please." 10) "Mom...I've done something that I'm not proud of...please don't lecture me....I need you right now..." I hope those examples help you xDD
What happens if a self harm cut isn't stitched?
It will take much longer to heal and leave a much more noticeable scar. It also depends on how deep it is and if you cut anything other than flesh. If you hit a vein or artery you could lose a dangerous amount of blood. If you cut a tendon or too much muscle you could lose some or all functionality of that part of your body.
How do you know if your self harm cuts need stitches and how do you tell your parents?
Before anything, please note that I am no doctor.But if it bleeds profusely and you haven't stopped it after 10 minutes, you have probably severed an artery and need to be rushed to the hospital immediately.As for telling your parents, it is easier said than done. I know it from experience. I would of course always recommend getting help from anyone around you when you are self harming, but I know it is a shameful secret people want to keep.If the bleeding hasn't stopped and you start to feel dizzy, you will surely freak out, and nothing else will matter. Survival instinct.
Dont answer if you'll judge. Self harm wound needs stitches, but i cant tell anyone. alternative?
Before you jump to the cliche answer of "You'll just have to tell your parents" I am not going to read that answer, and under no circumstances will i tell my parents. My father would hurt me, and my mother would send me back to the hospital. I have stopped self harming, but last night i was very upset. The wound is on the inside of my left thigh, and it about two centimeters wide. It was done with a razor blade, and the skin is apart and i cant pull it together. I can see the subcutaneous tissue (yellowish fatty tissue) inside the wound after the cut goes through the skin layers. It requires stitches (i have had them before for this reason, and cannot go back to the hospital as they will send me to an institution, which only worsens the situation. I need an alternative to hold the skin together, its just gaping, its not bleeding anymore, just well, a meaty hole. (sorry). Tape maybe? Thank you for answering if you actually are going to help, i am not an emo, i have psychological problems and conditions. I do go to a psychologist for help. Just things are going on that made me snap last night, i regret it and i want to try reduce the scarring of the wound.