There’s a growing awareness about the dangers of cutting—when teens slash their arms or otherwise harm themselves. A handful of celebrities, including Demi Lovato and Angelina Jolie, have admitted to struggling with the disorder. Social networks have helped cutters not feel so alone, but some experts believe this burgeoning awareness may be doing more harm than good.

 Studies show that patients seeking help for cutting have doubled in the past three years. Part of that increase may be due to more teens understanding they need help, of course; but it could be the disorder also is growing in popularity. Clips of youth harming themselves can be found on YouTube, and although celebrities come forward to help teens, the mere fact the disorder is now associated with such stars may make it more attractive to some. Most importantly, just the increased visibility of cutting can be a trigger for cutters as a beer ad might be a trigger for an alcoholic.

“When people start talking about triggers and wanting to self-harm or wanting to die, it can become contagious,” says Nancy Gordan, a therapist who specializes in such issues. Mary, a 17-year-old cutter, says, “Subconsciously, every time you look at something, it’s a trigger that makes you want to do it more and more.” (ABC Action News)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife, Wendy, and two children. Follow him on Twitter.