I cry/sob everytime I see it...
I agree, the two scenes I find very hard to watch are the hair brush scene and the Byrd/belt scene Mrs Voorhees is watching you!
Wanted to turn it off but couldn't; it was too much like my own childhood. I thought it was a very well made movie and all the actors were fabulous.
Try reading the book - it's even harder to get through.
I bought the book a few years ago. You're right, it's even harder to get through.