Dear Dr. Romance: I like the Feeling of Getting Cut

Dear Dr. Romance:

Is it normal to like the feeling of glass cutting your skin?

I like the feeling of getting cut. This isn't good, is it?

Dear Reader:

You're right --it's not good. What it means is that you are emotionally numb and looking for sensation to feel alive. The numbness is probably because you're suppressing feelings about bad things that happened. You deserve a happier life. Therapy can help you figure out what's wrong and sort it out. Please do yourself a favor and find a good therapist. My article "Guidelines for Finding and Using Therapy Wisely" will show you how to find a good therapist and get started. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. They will help you find a knowledgeable therapist or group in your area that can help you. It Ends with You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction will help you understand what you're feeling and how to change it.