I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is going through this. In one sense, you are right, and "cutting" (or other forms of self-mutilation) are not as uncommon as you might think. On the other hand, it's a definite cry for help and needs to be taken seriously. No, it's not life-threatening, the cuts will heal up again. The intention is not to do serious harm in terms of loss of blood - but it's a symptom. One of my friends once explained it to me as a need to *feel* something because the level of emotional pain and disconnect inside her was so high, cutting was the only way to ground herself in reality, and feel something again. However, this grounding never lasted long, and soon she would cut again. Even with a loving family environment willing to do whatever it takes, friends etc. she was not able to stop. Relief and healing came over a period of time, when she saw someone neutral, a psychologist, who helped her to look at and deal with her pain, anger and other feelings of stress and questions of self-worth that were leading to the self-mutilation.

Although I am sure you and the entire family are willing to do everything you can to give her help and support, and show her your unconditional love, I do feel strongly that she will need a neutral place and person to really "unpack" her feelings... where she won't have any sense of endangering your love when she lets the pain out. Please don't feel that you are failing her in any way by suggesting she talk to someone who is trained to help her - on the contrary, that is the best help you can give, backed up by your love and support for her.