Does picking at scabs or/and reopening wounds count as self harm?
2 Answers
Moderated by Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona
Updated: Jul 30, 2019
Jackxist
on
May 6, 2019
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It depends on the situation. Self Harm is when you intentionally go to hurt yourself to make yourself feel better. Picking at scabs or re-opening wounds can be self-harm if the person is doing that so that they are hurting themselves or it can be someone who just fidgets or has an OCD issue that can cause them to pick at wounds. However, if the person does state they are doing it as they feel they need to be punished or they are doing it as it makes them feel good when hurting themselves it is considered as self-harm.
Anonymous
on
Jul 30, 2019
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In my personal opinion, I would say it would depend on your current state of mind during the time you are picking at the scabs. Some people may do it because the scab/wound may be irritating them, or some people may do it as a habit without meaning to cause themselves any harm. If you have self harmed in the past or are thinking about self harming and are picking at the scabs because you are feeling angry or frustrated or for some form of relief then it may be an indication that for you it is a form of self harm.
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