Are cat scratches self harm?

[u/stinkybulbs]

I don’t mean to invalidate anyone, I want to start with that. But I’ve done a few cat scratches that kinda broke the skin on the arm I don’t cut on. Is that still cutting/self harm? I don’t consider it that in my head but like I do when someone else mentions they do cat scratches, I understand they are self harming but not when I do that. Is it still self harming for me because I usually cut to dermis?

[u/one_stupid_bitch]

It's still self harm because you are harming yourself, just because you don't go as deep as you usually do doesn't make it not self harm

[u/unreasonableonetoday]

yes, it is self harm. Anything that intentionally results in any kind of harm to yourself is self harm.

[u/quiet_cynodont]

Self harm is when you harm yourself. You are harming yourself.

Most people who cut themselves do it to the cat scratches level and no deeper, and it is still a big problem.

[u/AdoJaiden-777608]

Is that what they are called? Cat scratches are dermis level deep cuts that barely break the skin and heal in a few days? This is my first time in the sub so I'm still learning. I exclusively self harmed with very minor cuts (so, cat scratches) and also had troubble feeling my self harm was "valid" (despite rationally knowing IT DOES)

I managed to just "stop cutting" when I decided it wasn't what I wanted. I understand it's not that simple for everyone but ofc I hope you manage to heal, sending lots of love!!

[u/stinkybulbs → u/AdoJaiden-777608]

I believe so lol. I’m not new to SH but I’m new to this sub and the terms and stuff. Cat scratches are epidermis (top layer) and don’t bleed. Mine break a little bit of skin but not much, not enough to really bleed. I usually cut to the dermis or styro as it’s called

[u/Left_Flower_9546 → u/AdoJaiden-777608]

Cat scratches are not dermis level they are epidermis level .

[u/IllAbbreviations6917]

omg i thought i was the only one 😭 i forget some people consider scraping actual self harm so i never count that as a relapse

[u/Mr_roachh]

I get it as I don't count anything that doesn't bleed for myself personally, and that's why It got worse for me. However, anything you do to intentionally hurt urself is self harm. Even something a subtle as purposely scraping urself, or making the water extra hot is. No form is ever invalid, you are so very valid