text: is cutting your self for stress a bad thing? just wondering! i think its not a helpful way to deal with stress because it is harmful physically and because it doesn't really help you to manage the situations that cause stress.   it is impossible to avoid stress in life, so i think you are far better off learning coping skills that help you manage stress without harming yourself. stress management, relaxation, seeking social support from others, and developing assertiveness skills are examples of coping methods that can be learned and have a long-term helpful effect for people.  if someone is cutting themselves to manage stress i suggest they talk to a trusted adult and find someone to help them learn more effective coping skills.