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The tattoos on Zandile Simelane’s arms tell a story that most people can’t read. Hidden beneath the delicate blue ink of flowers and butterflies, dull white scars rise, remnants of the time when cutting herself seemed like the only way to express how much she was hurting. (Bhekisisa)
ACCESS TO CARE

Cutting: Why teens turn to self-harm when they don’t have words for their pain

For some teenagers, emotional pain manifests as deliberately cutting, burning, hitting, biting, scratching or picking at their skin

  • Tanya Pampalone
  • Anna-Maria van Niekerk
  • Jessica Pitchford
  • Mia Malan
  • Yolanda Mdzeke
  • Thatego Mashabela
  • Justin Barlow
  • Jeannine Du Preez
8 min read