The act of cutting oneself, a form of self-harm, is a serious medical and mental health concern that can result in death, even if the person did not intend to end their life. Clinicians often refer to this behavior as Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), which involves the intentional infliction of damage to body tissue. While NSSI is typically used to cope with overwhelming emotional distress, the physical act carries inherent medical dangers. Understanding these physical risks is important for recognizing the gravity of the situation and knowing when immediate medical intervention is necessary.
Mechanisms of Immediate Danger
Death from cutting typically results from acute blood loss, known as hemorrhage. Severing a major blood vessel leads to rapid circulatory failure. Arteries are dangerous because they carry blood under high pressure directly from the heart, causing blood to pump out quickly if breached.
The risk of fatality depends on the location and depth of the wound. Areas where major blood vessels lie close to the surface, such as the wrists, inner thighs, and neck, pose the greatest threat. Deep cuts can easily compromise vessels like the radial and ulnar arteries.
Deep veins, though under less pressure, can also cause life-threatening bleeding if severed. Uncontrolled blood loss causes shock, a condition where the body cannot deliver enough oxygen to the organs. This leads to organ failure and death if not treated.
Severe Permanent Physical Injury
Cutting can inflict lasting physical damage resulting in permanent functional impairment. Damage to peripheral nerves is a common complication, potentially causing chronic numbness, persistent tingling, or irreversible loss of motor function in a limb.
Deep cuts also risk severing tendons and ligaments, the connective tissues allowing for movement. Damage to these structures permanently impairs the mobility and function of the affected limb, often requiring complex surgical repair and lengthy physical rehabilitation. Full function may not be restored even after treatment.
Infection is another serious consequence. Since cutting objects are often not sterile, bacteria can be introduced deep into the wound, leading to localized infections like cellulitis or systemic sepsis. Sepsis is a medical emergency that damages tissues and organs, carrying a high risk of death if not treated immediately.
Understanding the Underlying Behavior
The physical act of cutting is a manifestation of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), defined as the deliberate destruction of body tissue without the intent to die. Individuals often engage in NSSI as a maladaptive coping mechanism to manage intense emotional states, such as emptiness, anxiety, or numbness. The physical pain serves as a distraction from overwhelming psychological distress.
Although the immediate intent is not to end life, NSSI is strongly associated with underlying mental health conditions. Self-injury commonly co-occurs with depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. It functions as a way to regulate emotions when healthier coping skills are lacking.
NSSI significantly escalates the risk of future suicidal behavior. Repeated self-injury can desensitize a person to physical pain and the fear of death, lowering the threshold for a future, more lethal attempt. Therefore, the presence of NSSI is considered a major predictor of suicide attempts.
When to Seek Emergency Assistance
Immediate action is necessary when a person is in a physical or mental health crisis related to cutting. A medical emergency is defined by signs indicating life-threatening injury or uncontrolled blood loss. Call emergency services immediately if a wound is deep, bleeding is profuse and will not stop with direct pressure, or if the person shows signs of shock, such as confusion, rapid heart rate, or fainting.
A mental health emergency requires immediate intervention if a person expresses suicidal thoughts or has a clear plan to end their life. Crisis support can be accessed without delay through dedicated resources.
Crisis Resources
In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988. The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741, connecting individuals with a trained crisis counselor. Reaching out to a local emergency room for a mental health evaluation is also a reliable option for anyone experiencing suicidal ideation.