[Terry]

Hey Chloe!

If there's one thing I stress when it comes to self harm recovery, it's that a relapse shouldn't be seen as completely erasing any and all progress made in the timespan between self harm incidents. The point of recovery is to be able to extend the period in between episodes to eventually make that timespan last indefinitely, not to stop cold turkey. Stopping all together rarely is the case. You have to be proud of the length of time that passed in which you were strong enough to not give in to those urges. It should be something that motivates you for the next time, trying to at least beat that timespan you've already achieved, and proving to yourself that you can indeed last long whiles without it. And with more of those clean periods, you will learn to cope without it, like any other addictive behaviour or vice.

That being said, in regards to not wanting your family to know I completely understand that, although it'd honestly be for the best if they did as they could actually pitch in and try to create an environment in which recovery would be easier. Some times we need that little extra push in order to really be on our way to recovery. It's not a burden anyone should bear alone.

If you feel the need, you can always PM me, I'm more than willing to lend an ear and offer up my own personal opinion. Good luck, and stay strong.