Self-Injury Support Group

Whether you or someone you know or love struggles with self-injury, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, meet others going through the same, and get advice on how to stop. Working together, we can help find alternative coping skills to reduce the urge to self-harm.

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Mental Health
/ Self-Injury Support Group

Struggles

natashalynnroy
natashalynnroy
I've cut since I was 14.
I'm now 23. I hate how many scars I have. But, I still can't seem to stop myself from pressing the blade to my skin for a little kiss.

I've been told to grow up.
Self harm apparently has an age limit. By that logic, so does alcoholism and drug abuse.

Recently single and I'm having a hell of a time dealing with that, so back to the knife. Having trouble letting go of the dreams. Another slice. Of the relationship when it was good. Just a little deeper.

Alternatives don't work for me, for whatever reason. If I went to get a tattoo every time I wanted to cut, I'd hardly have my pasty white skin to show off anymore.

So, what's your story? How do you cope?
sunflowerhippie
sunflowerhippie
My dear friend, I started cutting when i was 15 and i'm now 17 and clean. I had a lot of insensitive people around me, and it sounds like you do too. Addiction can take hold of anyone, don't let people guilt trip you for your addiction. Substitutes are a waste of time, if they're not self care, then it is only going to exacerbate the situation. Look into recovery groups and know that i'm always here to talk to if you need. just message me. Sending you lots of support and hugs
fuusheegii
fuusheegii
Believe me, SI can affect you at any age. In my outpatient therapy group I met a woman who began cutting at the age of twenty, and she had just turned seventy.

Unfortunately I have the same issue where alternatives seem to do fuck all for my urge to cut. What I found works best to curb the urge is to either take an icy shower/bath (and I mean cold as a snowman's ass kind of icy) or to distract myself by doing something that takes up all of my headspace, like play a video game or exercise intensely.

This is a rather comprehensive list of SI alternatives, some may seem a bit corny but really they are all worth a shot. http://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/alternatives-to-self-harm-self-injury/

Best of luck to you!
tryingtobestrong5
tryingtobestrong5
I've also been dealing with an ex. I was with him 7 months and it's been 4 months now since the break up and he's still in my mind everyday. He told me I need to grow up and move on. So I think I have an idea of how you're feeling. I've been dealing with it by just trying to avoid it, and avoid him. I stay up until 3am almost every night, talking a really good friend of mine who's always there for me. I think having a good friend to talk to about anything is a great way to heal. If you need anything, I'm here, stay strong Natasha :)