I have actually known a few people that have done this as well as a recent episode of real world on mtv that was dedicated to those who have the same issue. It is actually a disease so to speak they have a clinical diagnosis for it however from what I remember it was something to the effect of it being thier way to vent, taking the pain from emotional to physical (kinda like people who punch walls when they are mad) usually seeing a psychologist or specialist in the field helps but maybe simply getting her to open up and talk to you would help let her know that you are there for her passing no judgements and you care:)

Haha, ya, I always punch walls when im mad :p

ive tried to get her to open up to me. And she always does, then she stops for a few months, but she always goes back to doing it

I dunno what to tell ya there maybe keep current on talking to her and see if she will see a professional?

It is important to keep in mind that this issue is bigger than you or her and you may not be able to just fix it. I too have known people who have had this problem. I would sit her down (if you haven't already done so), explain to her your concern and how much it means that she opens herself to you, and as already said without judgement. Do not force this issue. If you pressure her to open up too much, you will push her away. Just let her know you are there if she needs you is all. Don't take it personally if she isn't always willing to open up. Like I said, this issue is bigger than you. Tell her that she needs another outlet to vent. Any hobbies? Exercising? Etc. If the problem becomes too bad I would suggest counseling to her (expect that she might get mad at you for butting in on the issue so don't take it personally), notify the proper authorities (parents? Professionals?). Just tell her that out of respect for you and the way you feel about her, and out of respect for herself she needs to stop this. Good luck man, godspeed.

I think maybe I can help you, although you probably won't like the advice I give. There's nothing you can do. Yeah, you can talk to her, you can encourage her to get counseling, hell, if you tell the right people you can get her put in the hospital, but none of it will make a difference. I cut myself, and so far have not found any doctor that understands why. Most say it's to get attention, some say it's a problem that requires medication. I do it so I don't have to feel. I'm a very emotional person, and get easily upset. When I was younger I would use food as an outlet, but then I gained a lot of weight, which became another problem for me. Cutting myself is the only way to overcome the emotional stress in my life. It doesn't even have to be a negative emotion. If I get too excited or happy I have to cut myself to calm down. It's not something that you will be able to get your girlfriend to quit doing unless she wants to. In fact, questioning her about it and trying to make her talk could cause her to hide it from you also (as in cutting in more remote areas, which tend to be areas that have larger veins closer to the skin). Just love her, and show her that you love her, and hopefully someday she'll be secure enough in her life with herself that she will be able to stop.

Daile

I think maybe I can help you, although you probably won't like the advice I give. There's nothing you can do. Yeah, you can talk to her, you can encourage her to get counseling, hell, if you tell the right people you can get her put in the hospital, but none of it will make a difference. I cut myself, and so far have not found any doctor that understands why. Most say it's to get attention, some say it's a problem that requires medication. I do it so I don't have to feel. I'm a very emotional person, and get easily upset. When I was younger I would use food as an outlet, but then I gained a lot of weight, which became another problem for me. Cutting myself is the only way to overcome the emotional stress in my life. It doesn't even have to be a negative emotion. If I get too excited or happy I have to cut myself to calm down. It's not something that you will be able to get your girlfriend to quit doing unless she wants to. In fact, questioning her about it and trying to make her talk could cause her to hide it from you also (as in cutting in more remote areas, which tend to be areas that have larger veins closer to the skin). Just love her, and show her that you love her, and hopefully someday she'll be secure enough in her life with herself that she will be able to stop.

Daile