text: I disagree with you who say they do it for attention.  Most of those who do it are very secretive and try to hide the fact that they do it, almost like an addict doing drugs would do.  I've experianced a cutter first-hand, and she would just systematically slash parts of her leg that nobody would see.  I don't think the method of self-harm has little to do with but more so the ammount of pain it brings, and how easy it is to do to one's self.  \n\nSometimes it can be done as a release, or as a "suicidal gesture" in which case it IS usually a last cry for help or attention.\n\nSometimes all a person knows is pain.  And I agree with kitty that: it is usually a form of release for them when they are having extreme anxiety, depression or other mental problems.