How deep is too deep? TRIGGER

I've been cutting from the age of 14, it started off with shallow cuts that would bleed for a long time and heal within 1-2 weeks.

Now they're suddenly getting deeper, I'm not even aware of any changes to how I usually cut.
They don't bleed as much anymore but they're getting to the point where I can see white skin inside the cut (if that makes sense). They do leave noticeable scars too, which never happened before.

I'm not saying that I'm going to, but just incase, what would I do if I did cut deeper than usual one day?
How would I manage it? I'm worried I'd just panic and pass out or whatever but I'm not one to just open up to my parents like 'oh I think I've cut too deep'

Any advice or suggestions would be great,
thank you

First thing would be to try and stop the bleeding (continuous pressure for 5 minutes at a time). If it doesn't stop bleeding, or it's gaping, you should see a doctor. You can bring yourself to the hospital or go with someone if it needs to be seen. If you're over 18, you can ask them not to contact your parents.

Of course, if you're feeling too unwell or bleeding too badly to get to the hospital by yourself, you will need to either tell someone who can bring you to A&E or call an ambulance.

I hope that helps? If it doesn't, feel free to ask any more questions you may have. I've been to A&E for self harm quite a bit (unfortunately), so I have some idea of what's involved.

I cannot answer your question, but I was going to ask the same question soon. So thanks for asking and take care.

I think it also depends on where you cut. I cut only on or near my wrists and some of my veins appear very shallow there. I had been cutting up to them and today I went along side them. I'm unsure how serious the damage will be when I cut through one. Hopefully I'll be able to stop the bleeding, but idk.

-Shattered

If you are worried about a cut guys please get it looked at. Yes ppl can do first aid on themselves but as this thread illustrates it is difficult for someone who is not a professional to know how serious a wound is. Please err on the side of caution and go to the hospital to be reviewed if you are concerned.

Cracked

There is a post on first aid for self harm here cutting-self-injury/topic54211.html

I will just add what I have learnt. (also possibly triggering)

If a wound is bleeding very fast you may have either cut or just nicked a vein, in this case grab some clean dressing/cloth/towel and use it to put pressure on the wound while keeping it elevated(above your heart if possible) don't try to peek at it for at least 20 minutes, if it bleeds through, add another dressing/cloth/whatever ON TOP of the original dressing and keep the pressure on. If you cannot control the bleeding after 30 minutes or is is spurting (spurting blood means you hit an artery, this is VERY serious) then you must go to the emergency room. It will be hard to tell your parents but explanations can be done later, they will be more concerned with making sure you are treated for your injury. If no one is around, call an ambulance. Your safety is the most important thing.

If you have managed to control the bleeding, you then need to see if you require stitches. Generally any wound where subcutaneous fat is visible can be stitched (if you see it you will know, tis little yellowish balls, very icky looking). If wound is gaping (ie: sides are far apart and will not stay together) then you may need stitches, only a doctor can be sure of this. Stitches are best done within the first 8 hours since the injury but can be done up to 24 hours after in some cases (the risk of infection is greater after 8 hours).

If you are sure you don't need stitches, then it's best to clean the wound (with antiseptic wipe or just rinse with water if nothing else available) and then apply butterfly stitches (these are thin strips of sterile tape used to keep a wound closed). They can be tricky to do yourself, especially if it is on an arm, but a doctor can do this for you if needed. Again it's best to do as soon as possible to prevent infection and scarring. Apply a dressing pad, bandage (not too tight) and change these every day (not removing the butterfly stitches) and try not to get the area wet.

Harm minimisation is important. Try if you can to stay away from cutting areas where the skin is thin/not a lot of protective fat such as forearms and ankles. Make sure that blades are kept clean in advance since you may not be of the mind to go and sterilise stuff when you are about to SH. Having a stocked first aid kit is helpful, things like antiseptic wipes, dressing pads in a few sizes, bandages, tape and butterfly stitches (or steri-strips as they are called here).

Thanks Kyrie for taking the time to write it down and explain, that was really helpful.

I myself have never cut 'too deep' but I do have a few that were erring on the side of needing to go to the hospital. Although I have attended many first aid courses and always keep a full first aid kit in my room plus excess steri-strips and wound pads, there is no telling when you are going to cut 'too deep' so if you're not comfortable with what you're looking at or you know someone you do care about would tell you to get it looked at, do just that. Its not worth the risk of infection.

xxx