CUTTING DEPRESSION

Kluge, Jeffery (2005) The cruelest cut TIME, 5/16 48-50.

According to a recent article in the JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY,
somewhere between 14% up to 39% of juveniles mutilate themselves. This
is not Goth followers, but depressed and border personalities that cut
themselves.

They cut to feel more or feel less. Some cut because the infliction
facilitates a serotonin rush for others the razor provides a calming
effect. Therefore you can find a relative young person with cuts all along the arms, chest, back, shoulders, and legs. Many will scar and remain with the youngster for the rest of their lives.

Generally, they are not suicidal nor do they come from unstable homes.
A significant part of the issue may be sociological. It is a new norm
among the mentally ill. DBT is a relatively new therapy that paradoxes the individual. It uses two contradictory philosophies. The first is to
accept the person as they cut. Significant others love them as they are.
Cutting is permissible. However, gentle encouragement is given to move to non-cutting strategies to reduce anxiety and depression. As example,
anti-depressants are given along with meditation.

The patient gently moves from one behavior to the other.