I have a friend who self harms. He has been doing it for years, small cuts on his forearms, that don't do much damage in themselves, but over the years, his arms are just a mass of scar tissue. He says he enjoys it, that the pain is like a release for him, and I can't get him to see it's a problem. Its becoming a more high profile issue nowadays, with many celebs admitting to it, but I don't understand what drives him to do this?

I have some limited experience with this problem as I too know someone who used to do this. Although I do not really understand why I have read that it has to do with a person's belief that they are somehow bad, or that they have a very lo self-esteem and cutting somehow makes them feel better. To a person who cuts or self-mutilates the feeling they have after doing so is comparable to an addict who just got a fix - it's a type of high. I recommend going to the library and reading up on it. Also, if this person is underage especially, then an adult needs to get involved, maybe a parent or school counselor. This person needs help, soon.