Why does my girlfriend cut herself?

There's a lot of reasons why someone wants to hurt themselves. I used to do it because I wanted to punish myself, and felt like I would do better now I had punished myself for whatever reason. Sometimes, the pain is addictive and it gives you a little high, releases endorphins and frustration... it's complicated and different for everyone.

Sometimes people cut themselves because they are suffering, and it's another way to cope with that. It may not be the right way, but take it more as a warning and a sign of distress from this person. Don't stop on the act itself. She needs help and it's another way her body and mind tell it.

Your girlfriend may cut herself to deal with emotional pain she can't handle. Cutting releases endorphins which may make her feel better if she is going through distress.

She is not happy. Take her on a date, really you will make her happy, life is great. Trust me you will be okay!

I don't know your girlfriend, but if I (as a fellow former cutter) had to guess I'd say she wasn't doing it to inflict pain on herself, but to relieve it. Also, it's an empowerment thing (I know that sounds weird). When you're in a great deal of pain, just having control over that pain can really help.

Self harm historically was often seen by some medical professionals as attention seeking or a failed suicide attempt. Hopefully over time this attitude has diminished as greater understanding of self harm has grown in more recent years. We all self harm whether we realise it or not, not getting enough sleep, wearing shoes that pinch our feet, smoking, drinking excessively, neglecting meals due to work, wearing clothes that are too tight, not seeing a doctor when we know we need to. These kind of examples are deemed if you like, the more socially acceptable forms of self harm. individuals who self harm secretly or tell no one often resort to burning, cutting, head banging, pulling out of hair, scalding, internal self harm etc. The reasons why people self harm are as varied as the individuals who resort to self harming as a way of coping. Self harm can be seen as a physical expression of internal emotional pain. For some self harm helps to relieve feelings that have become unbearable and provides them with a sense of relief. For others, they may self harm because they feel the need to punish themselves, perhaps due to trauma and abuse where they blame themselves, or perhaps with a teen who never feels good enough and falls out with their parent. Self harm often allows an individual to feel numb, to create space from all that is going on for them. It is important regardless of why someone may self harm, that their injuries are attended to and that they are treated compassionately, with respect and concern/care. Anything other than this may cause the vicious cycle of self harm to keep going. For help on self harm please see your national resources to see what help can be provided.

She may be dealing with some difficult issues and finds this a way of taking the emotional pain away by physically hurting herself and inflicting the pain elsewhere. Talk to her and let her know you are there for her. It may be a good idea to suggest counselling so she can talk about what is hurting her

she could me sad or something she may have depression that's some idea i don,t really know your GF so you may want to go to the doctors

There are different reasons for a person to turn to self-harm, so unfortunately no one can give you the answer to that exept your girlfriend. Maybe try to talk to her about it and let her know you are there for her and you will help her through it.

There might be some underlying things she is suffering, it is a release for her to feel something, depression, anxiety, anger, are many different reasons why she may do it. Home life could be stressful, school, peers. You can always tell her that you are there to listen to her talk about what is bothering her throughout the day.