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Mental health issues are not discussed enough – but often when they are, it’s after a devastating event such as suicide. Cutting or non-suicidal self-harm is an issue that can fly below the radar because people might not even notice this psychological disorder happening. This mental issue is defined as deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue and affects almost one in five people worldwide.
Unlike people who commit suicide, cutters aren’t trying to kill themselves. By contrast, they often self-harm to feel alive, rather than numb because the act releases endorphins. This mental disorder is very dangerous, and you can easily end up in the hospital, which is why someone took to the internet to share their coping and mental therapy strategy – art.
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Someone who used to self-harm took to the internet to share how she overcame the habit with art
Someone else saw the post and added that the easy-to-draw pattern method of Zentangle could be particularly helpful
“Zentangle therapy sessions are non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. There is no up or down to Zentangle art. If fact, you can most easily create Zentangle art by rotating your tile as you tangle — always keeping your hand in a relaxed position. You don’t need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it. You just need to know the steps. The result is a delightful surprise – both relaxing and sometimes masking self-harm scars if that’s what you seek,” writes their website.
Image credits: unknown
Image credits: flori.art
Image credits: suejacobs.blogspot
Image credits: tasozenart
Image credits: unknown
Image credits: aa.zenart
Image credits: zentangle_tutorials
Image credits: jr.movements
Image credits: drawinglife1989
Image credits: lettherebeartt
Image credits: zentangula
Image credits: plainpilgrim
Image credits: flori.art
Watch these videos to see Zentangle in action:
Image credits: charvi ashtekar
People who had experiences with self-harm praised the method
What do you think ?
Aramis Starfish 5 years ago
thank you for sharing. This technique has helped me too. eventually I have tattooed the places I found most pleasing to cut. Not to cover the scars. but because it shifts the mid set. I tend to be in a dissociative state when self harming so drawing on my skin or tracing the tattoos is calming and grounds me back to me. it does not produce the endorphins but also not the subsequent guilt and shame. so are helpful tools to try. Xox
Zori the degu 5 years ago
It doesn't just help with depression. It helps you exercise a new-found talent(everyone is born an artist, to some extent)! I think it's a win indeed!
Joy Robinson 5 years ago
I recently relapsed with self harm and have been feeling like s**t because of it. This post, seeing others who are also struggling and finding ingeniously healthy ways to cope are my inspiration. Next time I'm at the store, I'm going to buy some markers to keep with me in case I feel the urge again.
Miriam L 5 years ago
Way to go! I'm sorry to hear that you've relapsed but I'm really happy that this might help you. Go buy some markers, pens, eyeliner (it's meant for skin, stays for a long time but cleans up easy, and I know of some amazing cheap ones in ink, felt tip, proper pencil or soft pencil that's amazing) or whatever inspires you. Stash a few everywhere. I believe in you. Internet hugs
Load More Replies...
Derian Syah 5 years ago (edited)
hello, I need to write my first comment here. After I read this, I also have similar drawing just like this pattern for past 5 years that I posted on my instagram that unfortunately already delete all my post last year and trying to repost it again now. I do have some depressing situation and also self-harm and even a suicidal thought, but every time I feeling down I trying to draw it on a paper with similar pattern and it always makes me feels better when I drew that. So I think it's a great Idea if you try to draw something rather than self-harm your body, hope if you do this also makes you feel better, doesn't matter if your drawing good or bad, as long as it can makes you feel much better.
Miriam L 5 years ago
Good luck on your journey towards healing. I personally struggle with mental health challenges and severe depression at times. I'm doing a lot better right now - it's actually a long story that I'm willing to share but it's probably not relatable to most people. Self harm was not usually my survival method of choice, so I don't have anything specific to say to help. Just know that I'm rooting for you. Seek out every person and resource that can bring health and stability into your life, because you deserve it. Sending internet hugs. I'm not at all trained in anything, but I am a night owl so if you ever just need someone to talk to, I might be around. Or call one of the hotlines, they're actually really great in my limited experience. I hope none of this was painful or offensive - I don't want anyone else to feel alone in their struggle and I'm not trying to be patronising or annoying
Load More Replies...
Pacer Three 5 years ago (edited)
OMG! I can not believe this! when my grandson was in his teens he began cutting himself, this went on for a very long time. however it did stop and when it stopped I noticed that he was doing these elaborate doddles all over his arms. we actually photographed a few, but never did I ever see a connection to his cutting but it makes sense. today at 25 he travels the United States as a poet and a teacher.
Lemon Garnished Potato 5 years ago
As someone who has this habit, drawing really does help. I draw people mostly, but sometimes I draw designs on myself.
Jo Choto 5 years ago
My daughter started doing this when she was in her teens. It completely refocused her attention. She ended up doing all kinds of "sharpie tattoos" for herself and friends. Now she is grown, she has designed all her own tattoos (and mine) and has lots of lovely permanent art on her body.
Gesine Marwedel 5 years ago
thanks for this post! i am an art therapist and wrote a book about bodypainting in therapeutic context (in german), but didnt think of this aspect. should add it in the next edition.
Bunzilla 5 years ago
Love this. I've never struggled with this myself, though there are some times where my depression gets bad enough where it seems somewhat tempting. If I ever do, I'll use this method instead of hurting myself with blades. My suggestion; find a marker in a colour that appeals to you.
Lsai Aeon 5 years ago
I'm a cutter as well. I cut because it's easier to deal with the outside pain than it is the inside pain. I find, if I can afford it, a new tattoo fills this "need"
Miriam L 5 years ago
I hope that you can find something that helps you, in this article or somewhere else. Internet hugs
Load More Replies...
Roberta Maben 5 years ago
The therapist who told her to do that thank you you got into her mind and her brain to make her think she did not deserve all the bad things that happened to her and that's what we have to do as women ask women before you answer for women that's the abortion issue 2
Victor Perez 5 years ago
i need some help getting my story out because when i went for help to the police they put me in a mental institution for 9 days when the story i am telling is true and i have pictures that will prove me rite and clear my name. im victor t perez from san Antonio Texas
Cindy Richter 5 years ago
I will try next time, if I am able to remember. I don't cut anymore, I got tattoos over my scars, so I wont destroy the pretty picture, but I still feel the urge to cut and feel like drowning in emotions.
Leo H 5 years ago
Not sure how this would actually help...people cut to basically feel something, it's a subtle cry out for help...drawing on your leg is just art and doesn't address the underlying mental health issues of self harm
Tricia Evans 5 years ago
The person is already in therapy for it. So they are trying to come up with alternatives for when she feels like cutting. It’s kind of like a smoker who develops a mouth obsession sucking on lollipops when they are craving a cigarette. No it doesn’t give the same effect, but it focuses the attention away from the impulse until it passes.
Load More Replies...
Russian Otaku 5 years ago
I could never cut myself... I find adding pain to my life is counterintuitive. Personally I'd rather cut others... very specific pompous douchebag others
madcow 3417 5 years ago
Other suggestions: Candle wax leaves no scars. Paper trimmer blades are short enough to not risk any real damage, aka no one can pretend it's a suicide thing. Working out to the point of sore muscles is more socially acceptable and helps with depression. Same thing with physically demanding potentially dangerous jobs, like construction or some factory work.
Miriam L 5 years ago
I feel like you mean well but this still seems potentially dangerous and unhealthy to me. Healthy levels of exercise are good, and technically pain with no long term damage is better than pain that leaves scars or can send you to the ER, but it's still seeking pain and some of those things can be dangerous. This article shows a way that the need for expressing that pain was turned into something healthy that promotes healing of mind and body. Your suggestions might be good if they're followed under the guidance of a mental health professional working with a specific person
Load More Replies... porcupine 5 years ago
Downvote all you want, but I’m telling you as a person with f*****g experience THIS S**T DOES NOT WORK. The problem needs to be addressed, and this girl is taking advantage of a real problem to showcase her doodles. I’ll pm pictures of my own legs from 2 years ago to whomever asks, and I challenge you to tell me what’s different.
Load More Replies...
comboplush 5 years ago
But not every BDSM enthusiast comes from a background of self harm. Just felt like I should mention it, since BDSM = self-harm is such a widely spread stereotype, especially after Secretary.
Load More Replies...
Just.a.Potato 5 years ago (edited)
Please give it a chance, other people deal with self harm, and this is their alternative outlet. It might not seem like much to you, but for others, being just a few days clean is a huge milestone. If this technique helps someone than it’s all worth it. Remember, sometimes it takes tiny steps to reach a big goal. :)
Load More Replies... Aramis Starfish 5 years ago
thank you for sharing. This technique has helped me too. eventually I have tattooed the places I found most pleasing to cut. Not to cover the scars. but because it shifts the mid set. I tend to be in a dissociative state when self harming so drawing on my skin or tracing the tattoos is calming and grounds me back to me. it does not produce the endorphins but also not the subsequent guilt and shame. so are helpful tools to try. Xox
Zori the degu 5 years ago
It doesn't just help with depression. It helps you exercise a new-found talent(everyone is born an artist, to some extent)! I think it's a win indeed!
Joy Robinson 5 years ago
I recently relapsed with self harm and have been feeling like s**t because of it. This post, seeing others who are also struggling and finding ingeniously healthy ways to cope are my inspiration. Next time I'm at the store, I'm going to buy some markers to keep with me in case I feel the urge again.
Miriam L 5 years ago
Way to go! I'm sorry to hear that you've relapsed but I'm really happy that this might help you. Go buy some markers, pens, eyeliner (it's meant for skin, stays for a long time but cleans up easy, and I know of some amazing cheap ones in ink, felt tip, proper pencil or soft pencil that's amazing) or whatever inspires you. Stash a few everywhere. I believe in you. Internet hugs
Load More Replies... Derian Syah 5 years ago (edited)
hello, I need to write my first comment here. After I read this, I also have similar drawing just like this pattern for past 5 years that I posted on my instagram that unfortunately already delete all my post last year and trying to repost it again now. I do have some depressing situation and also self-harm and even a suicidal thought, but every time I feeling down I trying to draw it on a paper with similar pattern and it always makes me feels better when I drew that. So I think it's a great Idea if you try to draw something rather than self-harm your body, hope if you do this also makes you feel better, doesn't matter if your drawing good or bad, as long as it can makes you feel much better.
Miriam L 5 years ago
Good luck on your journey towards healing. I personally struggle with mental health challenges and severe depression at times. I'm doing a lot better right now - it's actually a long story that I'm willing to share but it's probably not relatable to most people. Self harm was not usually my survival method of choice, so I don't have anything specific to say to help. Just know that I'm rooting for you. Seek out every person and resource that can bring health and stability into your life, because you deserve it. Sending internet hugs. I'm not at all trained in anything, but I am a night owl so if you ever just need someone to talk to, I might be around. Or call one of the hotlines, they're actually really great in my limited experience. I hope none of this was painful or offensive - I don't want anyone else to feel alone in their struggle and I'm not trying to be patronising or annoying
Load More Replies... Pacer Three 5 years ago (edited)
OMG! I can not believe this! when my grandson was in his teens he began cutting himself, this went on for a very long time. however it did stop and when it stopped I noticed that he was doing these elaborate doddles all over his arms. we actually photographed a few, but never did I ever see a connection to his cutting but it makes sense. today at 25 he travels the United States as a poet and a teacher.
Lemon Garnished Potato 5 years ago
As someone who has this habit, drawing really does help. I draw people mostly, but sometimes I draw designs on myself.
Jo Choto 5 years ago
My daughter started doing this when she was in her teens. It completely refocused her attention. She ended up doing all kinds of "sharpie tattoos" for herself and friends. Now she is grown, she has designed all her own tattoos (and mine) and has lots of lovely permanent art on her body.
Gesine Marwedel 5 years ago
thanks for this post! i am an art therapist and wrote a book about bodypainting in therapeutic context (in german), but didnt think of this aspect. should add it in the next edition.
Bunzilla 5 years ago
Love this. I've never struggled with this myself, though there are some times where my depression gets bad enough where it seems somewhat tempting. If I ever do, I'll use this method instead of hurting myself with blades. My suggestion; find a marker in a colour that appeals to you.
Lsai Aeon 5 years ago
I'm a cutter as well. I cut because it's easier to deal with the outside pain than it is the inside pain. I find, if I can afford it, a new tattoo fills this "need"
Miriam L 5 years ago
I hope that you can find something that helps you, in this article or somewhere else. Internet hugs
Load More Replies... Roberta Maben 5 years ago
The therapist who told her to do that thank you you got into her mind and her brain to make her think she did not deserve all the bad things that happened to her and that's what we have to do as women ask women before you answer for women that's the abortion issue 2
Victor Perez 5 years ago
i need some help getting my story out because when i went for help to the police they put me in a mental institution for 9 days when the story i am telling is true and i have pictures that will prove me rite and clear my name. im victor t perez from san Antonio Texas
Cindy Richter 5 years ago
I will try next time, if I am able to remember. I don't cut anymore, I got tattoos over my scars, so I wont destroy the pretty picture, but I still feel the urge to cut and feel like drowning in emotions.
Leo H 5 years ago
Not sure how this would actually help...people cut to basically feel something, it's a subtle cry out for help...drawing on your leg is just art and doesn't address the underlying mental health issues of self harm
Tricia Evans 5 years ago
The person is already in therapy for it. So they are trying to come up with alternatives for when she feels like cutting. It’s kind of like a smoker who develops a mouth obsession sucking on lollipops when they are craving a cigarette. No it doesn’t give the same effect, but it focuses the attention away from the impulse until it passes.
Load More Replies... Russian Otaku 5 years ago
I could never cut myself... I find adding pain to my life is counterintuitive. Personally I'd rather cut others... very specific pompous douchebag others
madcow 3417 5 years ago
Other suggestions: Candle wax leaves no scars. Paper trimmer blades are short enough to not risk any real damage, aka no one can pretend it's a suicide thing. Working out to the point of sore muscles is more socially acceptable and helps with depression. Same thing with physically demanding potentially dangerous jobs, like construction or some factory work.
Miriam L 5 years ago
I feel like you mean well but this still seems potentially dangerous and unhealthy to me. Healthy levels of exercise are good, and technically pain with no long term damage is better than pain that leaves scars or can send you to the ER, but it's still seeking pain and some of those things can be dangerous. This article shows a way that the need for expressing that pain was turned into something healthy that promotes healing of mind and body. Your suggestions might be good if they're followed under the guidance of a mental health professional working with a specific person
Load More Replies... porcupine 5 years ago
Downvote all you want, but I’m telling you as a person with f*****g experience THIS S**T DOES NOT WORK. The problem needs to be addressed, and this girl is taking advantage of a real problem to showcase her doodles. I’ll pm pictures of my own legs from 2 years ago to whomever asks, and I challenge you to tell me what’s different.
Load More Replies... comboplush 5 years ago
But not every BDSM enthusiast comes from a background of self harm. Just felt like I should mention it, since BDSM = self-harm is such a widely spread stereotype, especially after Secretary.
Load More Replies... Just.a.Potato 5 years ago (edited)
Please give it a chance, other people deal with self harm, and this is their alternative outlet. It might not seem like much to you, but for others, being just a few days clean is a huge milestone. If this technique helps someone than it’s all worth it. Remember, sometimes it takes tiny steps to reach a big goal. :)
Load More Replies... 
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