The stigma surrounding cutting is largely exaggerated in my opinion. The numbers that are quoted as "cutters" worldwide are probably under-exaggerated, however the process itself is not as evil as everyone thinks it is.
I cut myself, and unlike the text books say i am not ashamed of my cuts, i was not abused or molested. I live a fortunate life where i have whatever my heart desires. I am sure many of you won't understand the need to do this to myself, i am not pretending you will. But i have scoured forums and declarations of 'cutting' everywhere and not found one that i can relate to, so perhaps this can reach just one of you.
I am quite an intelligent person who understands how stupid the idea of inflicting pain upon yourself is. I drink somewhat casually, i don't smoke and i don't do drugs. For me i have the pure release of crimson. I won't pretend it's healthy. however... I would wager more people have died from Alcohol related diseases and smoking than have died from "cutting". Yes the logical person must search for some sort of justification. You smoke 100 cigarettes a week and they slowly destroy your lungs and give you cancer. I cut myself twice a week, (sometimes more sometimes less) and for those few minutes i am completely happy, completely pure and completely in touch with the idea that I am alive, and that that could change at any moment. Every cut leaves it mark on your skin, just because you can't see your damaged lungs or the damage to your liver does not mean it is not there.
It is not a healthy way of expressing yourself, we are not a healthy world anymore, we are not civilized or caring. If cutting is your way of coping with these pains... Then you, like me carry a different kind of pain, a pain that is not put there for some one else to judge or criticize a pain just for you. Don't be an idiot, don't go around slicing yourself with rusty knives and dismembering yourself. This for many people is an exercise in control, so don't over do it.
I have around 80 bad scars, each one a reminder.. I don't regret them. I wear them with a sense of happiness that i have lived to another day. I hope you are not like me, and you actually want to stop and i wish you all the luck in the world with that. All i am saying is that there are worse things.