im a cutter, i know you feel. its a constant struggle everyday. wishing you well

Just letting you know I hear your pain. I hadnt cut since September last year when I was in a psych rehab centre and yesterday I started again. Its really hard not to continue this cycle again. I guess its fortunate that we have a group like this.

I didn't start cutting until Nov/Dec timeframe. I had about 9 cuts on me at that time. I did well for a few months (stopped) until the wife and I got into an argument recently and I added 3 new cuts. I agree with some of the posters, it is a constant struggle. I hate that I cut myself and it is so hard to stop. It's a cycle that really sucks. :( Wishing you the best.

I'm so sorry you are feeling pain and having those urges come back. It really is such a crummy feeling (understatement of the year...) But I think you should be proud of yourself for those 8 months! Don't look at it as a failure that you did it again, you made it 8 months without it being as bad! I think that is an accomplishment! It's a struggle to overcome these feelings, and I think it's normal to fall off the wagon sometimes. Just get back on it, to keep my cliche thing going. :p
Take care :)

I like you was doing great without hurting myself but have recently started again. We all relapse but the 8 months wasn't a waste of time. it is a very hard demon to battle! I'm here if u ever need a shoulder!

I am a cutter, it started when I was in a psychiatric hospital (was sectioned for over a year from March 2001). Sometimes the urge goes away, then comes back with avengence.

As with many cutters, it can rarely be over come, in fact some hospitals supply scalpels so at least you can cut with sterile blades - I use Stanley Knives as you can cut deeper with them.

I am a Manic Depressive with Paranoria and a mild form of Agarophobia. I often have to speak to a member of the Crisis team, they did suggest holding ice cubes in the palm of my hands as that hurts, but I prefer the flow of blood, so they said it is OK for me to cut as long as it isn't too deep. I have cut deep enough to need surgery to repair damaged muscle, blood vessels and nerves.

Most of the time, if I can control the bleeding myself, I just put protective pads on the cut and bandage it and leave it to do it's own thing - usually cuts close themselves up and heal - although it takes longer than if I had stitches put in. Only thing is, it hurts a lot the next day and I sometimes wish I didn't do it.

I know of a number of people who have got over self harming, how they did it I don't know, I suppose they were lucky enough to get the help most people are denied.