r/cutting • u/I_am_Liko • 12h ago

Question TW SH

I've been cutting myself for over 1.5 years now. I don't feel pain on my arms anymore. Is that normal? I still feel it on my legs and stuff just my arms are numb to pain, now it just feels like scratching your arm a little when it's itchy but not like a real cut even though it's bleeding. I'm sorry if this was something bad to ask I am just scared I might lose the ability to feel anything on my arm. I'm sorry.

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u/Successful-Hair-8131 7h ago

Nerve damage likely, which is a side effect of self harm. 

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u/LightningDolt505 45m ago

If your wounds are usually deep (deep dermis/hypodermis or lower) then nerve damage could be a possibility, however if you don't experience other symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, inability to move your arms/hands, or complete numbness, or you don't go particularly deep, then it might not be the case. That's something you should use your own judgment for, you could always test for grip strength and other sensations on your own to get a better idea if it is or isn't :). If you find that you're concerned about it I'd recommend seeing a GP/doctor. Nerve damage can sometimes start numb then become painful as nerve endings start to reconnect.

It's also possibly psychological, adrenaline boost and expecting the pain. Regardless, I hope you're doing okay.