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Cutting Quote by Caroline Kettlewell

“Well how many troubles should equal a legitimate reason for self-mutilation? Ten? Twenty? One hundred? And how monumental must these troubles be? There’s probably no critical mass beyond which cutting yourself would ever seem to most people like a reasonable choice. I cut because it did look that…” quote by Caroline Kettlewell
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““Well how many troubles should equal a legitimate reason for self-mutilation? Ten? Twenty? One hundred? And how monumental must these troubles be? There’s probably no critical mass beyond which cutting yourself would ever seem to most people like a reasonable choice. I cut because it did look that way to me. I cut because something had to give. I cut because the alternatives were worse.””

Caroline Kettlewell

About This Quote

Source Blog post: Mental health reflections, 2020

Self-harm is portrayed as a desperate response when pain feels unbearable, but alternatives exist.

In simple terms: Self-harm stems from overwhelming pain, yet other options exist.

Key Takeaway

Seek healthier coping before harming yourself.

Themes

mental health pain coping self-harm

Mood

somber urgent

Type

cautionary educational

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • support groups
  • emergency hotlines
  • mindfulness practices

Key Concepts

psychology crisis intervention emotional regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives could replace self-harm?
  • How can we better identify critical moments before self-harm?
A Different Perspective

Self-harm may be a symptom of untreated underlying issues.

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