Trigger--sexual feelings and cutting

I am feeling hopeless. I have cut 3 times since being on the medication, and each time it's relaxed me like some kind of drug. However, something it has almost always done is make me feel very..aroused. Does anyone else feel sexually aroused when cutting? I know it's gross but I thought I would ask. I also get it whenever I go to therapy. It's so annoying. My therapist doesn't know what to make of it.

Hey Divided -

Well the first thing you said, about it relaxing you, is actually common for self-harmers. When we cut, it actually releases a chemical that can make us euphoric feeling, or relaxed. That's why cutting is seen as a release for many, partly because of that chemical release.

Being aroused by it is a bit more complex, however. I've never felt that way but I can tell you that you're not the only one. I've read about this before. I'm not sure what to make of it in terms of an explanation, though. Perhaps there is some sort of masochism present that is linked with you sexually. Getting aroused in therapy is something I've never heard of before, sorry to say.

There is always an explanation for things like this, even though they might not be apparent at first thought. Your therapist has no ideas about why it happens?

Hugs.

- EGD.

I am not sure what is going on here. I get it the other way around - like get sexual feelings so want to cut and that is linked to abuse stuff.

As for therapy I am not sure.

Both are high adrenaline situations so perhaps it could also be something to do with that?

Hugs

Cracked

Thanks Cracked and EGD. Just curious if anyone else knew why, and it does make sense that maybe it's the adrenaline thing. Who knows.

Hugs divided

Cracked

I have sometimes wanted to ask sexual partners to cut me during sex (though I have been too scared to do so!) also I cut myself without any sexual feelings related to it. Perhaps it has to do with masochism? I wouldn't worry too much about its significance if I were you. A lot of self harmers hurt themselves because it feels good. Sex feels good. These feelings may become interlocked sometimes. If you can only become sexually aroused when you hurt yourself, then perhaps it has become a problem.

I don't know if I would call it sexual arousal, but sometimes, I get that same twitchy release after cutting that I have post orgasm. I get tingles and everything. ::shrugs:: I don't think much of it. It's my pinnacle of pleasure and release. I accept it and I like it.

Maybe your arousal has something to do with the interrelationship of desire/pleasure/endorphins. I can't directly answer your question, because I don't know... But I don't think it's gross. Maybe it's just a part of you and your cutting experience. Maye you could possibly learn to accept it, too.