Why Do People Cut Themselves?

This episode of Preconceived explores the complex and often misunderstood behavior of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), challenging common preconceptions about why people cut themselves. Host Zayl Mednik interviews Dr. Chris Simpson, an associate professor of counseling and expert in self-harm, who clarifies that NSSI is not inherently suicidal but rather a maladaptive coping mechanism for emotional regulation. He emphasizes that self-harm often serves to manage overwhelming feelings like numbness, shame, or dissociation, and can be triggered by emotional dysregulation, trauma, or upbringing in emotionally disconnected families. Dr. Simpson shares vivid case examples—such as a high-functioning student who cuts between her toes and a trauma survivor who self-injures in sexualized areas—to illustrate how context, intent, and emotional history shape the behavior. He debunks myths, including the idea that self-harm is attention-seeking or extremely rare, noting it's far more common than people realize and often hidden due to stigma. The episode stresses that self-injury is not about death but about survival—using pain to feel something when emotion feels absent. Dr. Simpson uses powerful metaphors, like a boat with a hole that requires constant bailing, to frame self-harm as a symptom of deeper emotional wounds rather than the core problem. Treatment, he argues, should focus on building emotional awareness and healthier coping strategies, not just stopping the behavior. Empathy, not judgment, is key for families and friends. The conversation concludes with a call to understand, not condemn, and to seek professional help when needed. The episode ends with a sponsor message for a car deal, but the core message remains one of compassion, complexity, and the importance of looking beneath the surface of self-harm.