Wanting to Self Harm

[Angeal]

I have been self harm free for the past two years. But for the two weeks all I have been thinking about is cutting. I lost my old razor that I use to cut with and yesterday I went and bought a new one. I've been trying too hard not to, but the harder I try the more that seems to be put on me that makes me want to. Makes me feel as if I NEED to.

[hocus pocus]

Congrats on going two years free. I hope you know that two years free is a huge accomplishment. Have you ever considered rewarding yourself? Rewarding yourself and acknowledging your progress can boost your mood and motivate you to try to go longer without self-harming. You could even plan a future reward to work toward.

Do you know what has been making you think of cutting again? Is anything particularly upsetting going on in your life right now? It might help to write down possible triggers so you can cope with them now and in the future as well. While you're writing your triggers down, consider writing just to vent about you're feeling. Having a safe place to release what's in your head can do a world of good.

Do you feel like you can throw your new blade out? If not, do you think you can give it to someone you trust, like a friend or a counselor? Some counselors give you the choice of throwing it out or they'll keep it and give it back to you later as part of the therapeutic process. If you can't throw it out, maybe you can hide it. You could put it up high in your closet or in a different room from the room you'd usually harm yourself in so you can get distracted when you go to find your blade.

What alternatives have worked for you for the past two years? Let yourself fall back on them. You could also look for some new alternatives to mix things up, too.

Keep us updated. We're here for you.

[Angeal]

Right now it's just a lot of home problems with my dad. And I'm not really letting me see or talk to or hangout with my best friend. And also not getting out the house except for once every two weeks when I can see my boyfriend.

[hocus pocus]

Problems at home can be really stressful. Are you comfortable sharing a little more about your dad? I might be able to offer more advice if you feel okay with sharing some more. If you're able to talk to him, maybe you can sit down and talk to him or write him a note about how you're feeling and come to a compromise of some sort.

I think getting out of the house when you're struggling is really important. A change of scenery seems to help. Do you have a backyard or a front yard that you can sit out in with a book? Or maybe you can take a walk around your neighborhood so you can get out in the sun?

[Palmolive]

Hello!

Thanks for coming to us here. I hope we can help you in one way or another.

It sounds like your home situation is tough and if you can tell us a little bit more about the situation with your dad then that'd be helpful but don't feel like you have to. I agree with Cassie, that getting out and having a change if scenery when we are struggling can be really helpful and beneficial. Going for a walk, changing rooms you're in, going in the garden or even creating a safe space somewhere in your home where you can go to when you are struggling might be helpful.

Do you use distractions? Maybe it'd be good to take a look at the link that has been sent to you already. Things like reading, writing, running, walking, watching tv or a film, talking to someone, being with friends and family, playing games, doing a puzzle, cooking or baking, going to the gym, working, coming online and so on can be really helpful and distract us from what's going on in our minds IE. the urges. Not everything is going to work for you though so it's about trial and error and finding the things that do help you so don't give up on everything when something doesn't work, keep on trying!

Also talking to people about how we feel can be really helpful and this is something I want to really encourage you to do. I know reaching out to someone can be scary and I know its a big step but it can be so so helpful. Anyone you trust is someone good to talk to like a family member, a friend, a teacher, a school counsellor, your doctor etc. These people all care about you and love you and want to be able to help you but they ca only do so if they know what is going on for you, you know? And it is okay for you to let them in.You don't have to suffer through this alone. And we're always here for you aswell. I know some people say having someone over the internet isn't the same but I guess sometimes, it's better than not having anyone at all so just remember that you are NEVER alone in this.

Just keep fighting and don't be afraid to reach out for help when you're struggling.

Hope and wishes,
Jessie