Hello Irish, I don't know too much about cutting as I have never cut. But would it make a difference if you were to write down a list of things to do today and then divert you thoughts towards them. I know this might be a silly suggestion, but as I say I do not really know the feelings of wanting to cut.

I too have never had the urge to cut. However, I have worked with people who engage in cutting. We taught them to hold ice on the area you want to cut; it gives a sting after a few minutes on the skin and deters the urges to cut. Big hugs.

I hope you were able to get through those rough hours sweetie... Big hug for you and a blessing...xo

You don't deserve the self punishment any more Irish. Try and find other ways to make your wounds visible. Do you have any of these adult colouring bookscwith different coloured markers? They ate a great distraction. Or journal. Get out every thought out ax to why you must took, what part of you is it satisfying? Bcs come tomorrow you are going to feel the guilt and shame of doi g it again.it'd about changing how we feel about ourselves Irish. And little Irish needs to be hugged and cherished. For in the log run this will far exceed cutting as a coping mechanism. Do you have a big cuddly bear that you can lay down with and snuggle to also feel nurtured in a differant way ?

thank you all, i have tried the ice but no joy, I do have one cuddly sheep, it is a pillow i bought when i was in hospital with pneumonia and it gives me great comfort! I felt like a big child buying it but it gave and gives me such a buzz it was worth it!. I got through another day. swam eighty lengths of the 25mtre pool, did half hour in the gym and went for a half hour walk so that worked for a good while. however as soon as I sit at all or go to bet all i can think of is cutting. it was my first thought as i woke up this morning. usually there is a trigger but i cannot think what it could be right now. i told a few people that i was trying to give up and they promised support but they seem to think that making the decision should be enough. they think it is that easy. i think maybe it was going to the funeral of my uncle and feeling an incredible urge to visit my mother even though she is dead now over three years. it felt impossible and so difficult. she would be horrified at how the rest of the family is treating me. i have to accept it.

thanks again for all the support.

Irish I haven't cut in over 25 years (I'm 46 now) it it stoppable. Hard as fuck. But it is doable. Are you in therapy? Until you become awarecof why you do this to yourself, and I have ideas that I won't post here publicy. The cutting is a symptom, you need to look at the cause. Once you are on that track, hopefully that maladaptive way of coping will become less as you learn healthier ways to deal with old and new wounds. You are worth more than the blade and the blood it produces xxx

I had an appointment with pdoc at five today and woke up at 10 minutes to after a nap so i had to cancel. he can't see me until monday and now i feel even more down. i tried calling him a few minutes ago but couldn't get him. it sucks.

i got to talk to him when he called at about midnight but the poor man isn't over the death of his wife before christmas and it felt wrong to offload on him. we just had a basic chat about what he's doing for the weekend and he had no words of wisdom about cutting. the pdoc i saw in the public system is useless so i am kind of stuck. i have to see him (the public guy) at the end of the month. should be interesting to see what he says that when i left him the last time i went straight to the hardware and bought three knives. he was a great help!

am very down today again. did not leave my room much at all except twice to get some food. i just can't see a point in anything. i just started melatonin for sleep but it is not doing anything yet.

I am new to the forum, but certainly no stranger to cutting. In fact, I was having a pretty rough day myself. My therapist even brought in the crisis team to see if I should go to the hospital for safe keeping. I am a little better now, but I can relate. Being distracted and busy are usually the only things that help. I second the grown up coloring books! They definitely teach mindfulness. So not sure how much help I will be, but at least you know someone who thinks things are just as pointless as you do. Stay strong, we CAN win!

Hey Irish, try to use your coping tools. Rubber band on the wrist, drawing a cut on in red marker, journaling all the junk out of your head. You can get through this without cutting, it's tough, but you know you can. When the urge gets bad, try to use breathing exercises, relaxation exercises and just chilling in a quiet, safe place, like a hot bath with candles and lavender scents. Just let your mind go to a safe happy place in your mind and enjoy a good memory. You can do this without cutting.....your strong and I know you can do this.

Definitely use some coping skills to keep yourself from cutting. I cut for years but with good therapy for many years was able to realize what a primitive coping skill it was and that even though you think it helps it is so short lived. You deserve so much better. You don't deserve to hurt yourself. I read a great book and the title was Cutting. It really explained a lot about why we resort to this coping mechanism and how to slowly but surely stop. Please seek help and try everything you know to avoid cutting. It is a punishment you don't deserve. I hope you are feeling better today and that you can refrain from cutting. If you ever need to talk, I'm here and I truly understand as I still have urges sometimes but am able to stop. Hang in there and super huge HUGS just for you!!

Hey, I used to cut too. I did for years. Looking back on it it doesn't feel very good, but i still struggle with self harming, but in different ways now. Its nice to hear from other people can it is possible to stop. I see your name is the irishwriter -- one thing that helps me a lot is writing. When i start to lose myself I write and write and write until things seem more clear.
Someone also once told me if i feel like harming myself to dig holes. Its a way to channel that energy into the ground and be productive at the same time.
It think it is a way that we cope, for relief, for punishment, out of anger or sadness--- try to recognize what is making you lean towards this old habit and find other ways to target it and cope with it.
You really are worth more like everyone else said too.
I dont care that i dont know you... If I were there I would just hold your wrists tight and cry with you :)