Triggering: auto-erotic asphyxiation

[chemicalkid]

I've just joined here, Need help .I've kept on doing things to myself and I don't know why. I cut myself, each time seeming to do it deeper so it hurts for longer. I hit and punch myself, I done it so much I gave myself bruises around my eye and had to tell my mum that I tripped and fell, I constanly hit and scratch myself. All of those things scared my because I enjoy them, and I don't want to stop. Lately I've started suffocating myself, I tie things around my neck, or cover my mouth with something so I can't breath. I can't even explain how wonderful the feeling is. I know I could die doing it, so why do I want to do it more. I'm already on 40 grams of citalopram and in therapy and I can't seem to stop doing this to myself.

[Peri]

Welcome to TeenHelp.

Self harming can be addictive because it releases feel-good hormones, and people may use that as a way of dealing with how they feel. The most effective thing to do with regards to stopping self harm is to replace harmful behaviours with more positive ones, such as writing in a journal/diary. There is a list of alternative coping skills in this sub-forum, located right at the top of the board, which might help you. There is also the First Aid thread, which is worth a look.

You mentioned that you were in therapy -- is it helping at all? Does your therapist know the extent of your self harming?

Please take care.