40-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital’s emergency department with severe injuries to both of her wrists and active bleeding. At the time of admission, it was estimated that she had lost over 25 oz (750 ml) of blood, corresponding to approximately 15–17% of her total blood volume.
It was determined that the woman had mutilated herself in a highly unusual manner. She deeply scratched both wrists with nail clippers and then bit them, chewing through most of the structures, including tendons, arteries, and nerves.
During the initial examination, the patient was described as calm but confused about the circumstances of the incident, with very little memory of it. Psychiatric evaluation revealed depression stemming from childhood abuse, with recent recurrent episodes of psychotic depression. The patient subsequently died due to excessive blood loss.
If you're thinking about self-harm, please stop and recognize that this won't solve the pain you're feeling. While it might seem like a way to cope, it leaves lasting scars, not just on your body but on your heart as well. There are healthier, safer ways to manage your emotions.
Every wound you inflict is a cry for help. You are not alone. Reaching out to someone you trust can be the first step toward finding a way out of this dark place. You deserve kindness, support, and real healing.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
