I harm myself on purpose. I never do it because I need to cope, I do it because I like the pain and like to have something on my body. I know I should stop, but I don't want to. Why is that?

It's addicting, I know. The reason is because you have come to believe that the harm you are doing to yourself is actually helping your body regain feeling. A way that I would recommend to quit, is whenever you feel the urge to harm yourself, draw something beautiful in the spot instead. It can be butterflies, lines, anything! Hope I was helpful!

When self-harming, endorphins are released. They are neurotransmitters which lessen the pain and give pleasant feelings, this is one of the scientific reasons that make pain likeable. Hurting also is a way to dissociate and focus on something else, something we're in charge of and having traces of it on my body reminds me of that. Although slef-harming needs to be replaced with a healthier coping mechanism when the person is ready to take this step, which is challenging for sure. Getting a tattoo could also help having something on your body, maybe someday I'll take this step and get one.

The body becomes addicted to self harm because it releases adrenaline and dopamine (chemicals that make you feel energized and happy) when you see wounds or feel pain. However, I would advise seeking professional help for this since there may be other underlying causes. Stay safe.

There are many reasons why people self harm. Even if you are not trying to cope with any pain, or are not enduring any pain, cutting reacts the same way - the release of those endorphins make you feel better, even if you already felt good before. An addiction is an addiction, and you should reach out and find help for it, sooner than later before this becomes even more dangerous.

It may be that you are trying to release inner pain and that your scars remind you of your traumatic past

Self harm becomes an addictive behavior quickly because it is such an intense feeling that people go to for various reasons. Even if you don't use it to cope, the intense sensation can be something you end up relying on if you like the way it feels.

Sometimes you can get addicted to causing yourself pain, I know because I did it as well. Its easy to get addicted to the pain and actually need it in your life. I used to need it so badly I would go insane without it but now I've learnt how to deal without it

That's something you like. Your body gets a rush if endorphins when you self harm. It makes you feel better. That's why you don't want to stop. Maybe it has even become an addiction. I know, for me, my anxiety chills out when I feel the cuts and the scabs. Even when it's not a coping method, you still need to get help! You don't need to do this alone anymore my friend! Reach out to someone! Whether it's in your real life, me, or any other listener who supports people struggling just like you. You are NOT alone. We are here. I am here :)

Some people who engage in self-harm often find a hard time identifying their reason. What we do know about self-harm is that people get a sense of reward, control, and addiction from doing it, so there is an underlying motivation to keep doing it. While the reason may not be to 'cope' in the typical sense (i.e., escaping negative thoughts or emotions), but rather coping with the negative thoughts and feelings of anxiety or lack of control that they experience. Talking with a counsellor or mental health professional can help get to the underlying thoughts and motivations for self-harm, and ultimately work through it and work towards recovery.

You've developed a response to this pain. You've come to rely on this feeling to feel better. You need to find something else such as working out, playing a game, or listening to music in order to change this habit.