to those who have been clean several months or longer

[ALLorNOTHINGforCHRIST]

Do you still get urges because I do and I have been clean 16+ months ( as indicated in my signature.) Is this normal?

[Palmolive]

Hi there.

I wanted to start by saying how amazing it is that you've been self harm free for so long. That's incredible and such an inspiration.

For some people it isn't normal, for some it is. For some people urges continue for a long time after, others it could just be a few months. It varies. No one is the same because we all have our own feelings and stories but It's not 'abnormal'.

If you ever need anyone to talk to or any support to help you through them then we're always here for you. You're never alone and sometimes having that little bit of support can be good. Recovery is hard but it's possible and you're proving that so keep fighting. Also here is a list of alternatives to self harm. If you haven't already it might be worth looking through them and trying several off them. Not everything will work so it's all about trial and error.

Look after yourself,
Jessie

[Bridghid]

First of all, 16+ months of being self injury free is awesome. Some people don't get urges to self injure after they stop and some do. The addiction of self injury follows the same cycle as alcohol and drugs, and so urges after stopping can happen periodically - especially during times of stress or whatever your specific trigger was.

If you are getting the urges again, the alternatives thread is a good idea, along with other distractions ideas that can be found on sites such as the Adolescent Self Injury Foundation website.

Stay strong.

[bitesize]

I stopped almost three years ago and I still get urges. It's perfectly natural ~ the only difference is that you know that you are strong enough to overcome the urge and that it will go away in time. I think it's great you've been free for so long, really, because I know that you struggled with this for a while. Please remember that even if you get urges, you are so much better and stronger than SH now and they get easier and easier to overcome each time.

[Kate*]

I've been done for about 6 months now (my ticker is approximate since I didn't keep close track) and I still get urges, but I know when to expect them, and they aren't strong enough or long enough that I'd give into them.

[xxprincessxx]

First off, great job on 16+ months! that's amazing!

But I still get them from time to time as well, I think it's like with any addiction, there will always be certain things that trigger you and make you want to do it again. But you've been strong for so long and you just have to keep reminding yourself of that! I think it's perfectly normal though. If you don't or feel like the threat is to much of a risk, maybe talk to a therapist or something about it?

[Eyes on Fire-Xx]

absolutely normal. It is an addictive habit. I've been clean for a year and every time I get upset my instinct is to hurt myself, but Its getting better with time. and super congrats with 16+ mo, that's really amazing ^_^