Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.

10,127 Members

27,615 Posts

1 Online

undeservingaspie 05/29/2018

trigger warning self harm

last few days ive got back into cutting. Only superfical cuts but i feel a nedd to do it again after months of not doing it. I havnt done it daily for over 2 years now but ive done a little bit every day for last 3 days.

I always used to need stiches when i cut but this time im just doing lots small superfical cuts on my wrists. I dont want have go hospital or it to be too noticeable.

What im asking is does anyone have any ideas how to get out the cycle. I dont want to continue cos it will end up with stitches.

Ice cubes, elestic bands and pen lines dont help.

Is there any other things? Or advice?

Thanks.

annabelleleigh1 05/29/2018

Hi, sweetie. I will do my best to help. Self-harm is more common than people would like to admit. My daughter used to be a cutter. She did it off and on for at least 5 years. The last time she cut, I had to rush her to the ER, and she was admitted into a psychiatric ward. I think it scared into stopping, but the urge would occasionally pop up. I bought her a bracelet that says "My Story Isn't Over Yet". She wears it every day and says it has helped her a great deal. I know it may not seem like it, but your life matters. My daughter knew that we loved her, but she had this sense of self-loathing that she could not let go of by herself. She still sees a therapist and is on medication, but she is doing so much better now. I was sexually abused for years and I am just now dealing with my PTSD. I'm starting Cognitive Progression Therapy sessions in two days and the thought of it terrifies me. However, I know that i have to do this for myself. PTSD really sucks and if you don't deal with it, you'll never be free of it. You are a beautiful girl and deserve to be happy. Don't let someone else ruin that or rob you of it. I will keep you in my prayers, sweetie. I don't know if you believe in God, but I do. I also believe in the power of prayer. If you are able to do so, try to find a local PTSD support group. If not, check into finding a therapist. It may sound impossible, but they can help you. Hugs <3

silverlight 05/29/2018

i think it helps to first indentify why you are doing it.

i think there are different things that could help based on that.

To let out anger,i always found ripping up magazines helpful.i once ripped up an entire phone book.

To bring myself out of dissociating/numbness i have found clay helpful...i don't make anything with it,just roll it between my hands and concentrate on the sensation.

Sorry i don't have too many suggestions...

2 years without acting on it daily is amazing....you should be very proud of yourself for that.

if you stopped before,you can stop again,as hard as it can be...

i believe in you.

Take Good Care & Stay Safe.

(((((( hugs )))))

Khadi 05/29/2018

Hi Honey,
If you have stopped cutting for a long time and suddenly want to cut again there was some event that triggered this...the trick is figuring out what it is. Did something remind you of your trauma? Did someone do something to you or say something to you that made you feel angry/sad/scared...I know when I am self-destructive I can always trace it back to something that happened that made me feel ashamed of myself or like I wasn't worth it. I am so sorry you are in this dark place. I know hurting yourself feels like it a release, like it makes things better but the truth is it only causes another problem on top of the one you are trying to solve by cutting. Can you think back to what upset you this time? I know it is hard sometimes to figure it out but it is a good first step. It is extra hard for us to love ourselves but try and remember, you deserve self-love and it is possible. I will be thinking of you in your struggle. xo

Join the Conversation