Torn....

[Iris]

I cut myself. like every day. and i know it's bad but i really don't want to stop. I mean, theres a reason i started in the first place and the stuff that made me start only got worse since i started, and if i don't cut i'll have to feel the horrible feelings and the last time i did and didnt have cuts to wipe away the pain i began planning my suicide...I read about everyone tryng so hard not to cut and finding other ways to cope...but what if thats really the only solution?

[Skeptical Bear]

Think of something that gives you a lot of faith. That person or something that stops you from hurting your self. Use that to stop your self from cutting. I don't think self harm is the only solution to cope with your problems. Do what I said and see if it works. It sometimes works for me when I want to stop from doing the "wrong" thing. I hope this helps you out.

[Ambrosia]

..but what if thats really the only solution?

Well, that's what's just so great (hah)! It's NOT the only solution, and it never will be. You see it as being the only solution right now only because you are yet to find that one thing that can substitute for the physical pain you've come so accustomed to causing yourself. But believe me, once you find that one thing, you won't do it as often (if at all).

Now a substitute might not always be an object, or a hobby, it might be a new state of mind. Not always one that is perfectly happy and smiling, but one that is just a level above what you were previously in. If you can coach yourself into seeing the world maybe a bit less dark (Just keep telling yourself that it can't get any worse, or that everything HAS to get better at some point!) then you'll find yourself not really wanting to anymore.

Perhaps you can distract yourself by getting a job, or volunteering somewhere. Start doing something like hiking, or running, or something less physical (If you end up weasing like a fat kid in gym class, such as myself, and can't make it very far!).

Of course, sometimes none of this helps. I honestly found a distraction by accident when I met my boyfriend. If you get a job, or if you get a boyfriend, or a new friend, you can use it as a distraction. If you have a human distraction, possibly let them know about your self-harm. When someone knows about your cutting it will often times persuade you to not do it as often, if at all, because you fear their judgement if they find out.

Now I know you won't want to believe me, because I never believed me, but it will get better. And you will find an alternative.

Good luck, and if you ever need me, well, I'm here.

[Iris]

cutting was a last resort for me-i tried almost all the things u guys mentioned. I volunteer at a soup kitchen, I write poetry, I draw, I text a friend when things get really bad. I can't really exercise outside because my community is a big reason I cut and it would just get worse. I'm depressed and i go to a shrink and everything and nothings helped. I honestly would be dead if i hadn't started cutting. I would have killed myself.

[Ambrosia]

Well then tell your shrink that. You go to one for a reason and with-holding information isn't good! Ohh what some of us wouldn't give to be able to go see a shrink ourselves!

Tell her/him! They're there to help you and will help you if you just open up more.

[Iris]

I did tell her. thats not really the problem...im wondering about options. I hate feeling..idk...guilty i guess wen i cut. wich sucks because i cut a lot. but why is that such a bad thing...? its a way to cope right? like drinking or smoking. all of these have the potential to kill, and im careful with my cuts. why should i stop?

[MadManWithaBox]

Because self injury is far more serious than those things. If cutting was your last resort you need to see someone.

[Iris]

not true wayyy more ppl die from too much alcohol than cutting. and i go to a shrink so i am seeing someone.... im just trying to figure out whether cutting is realy such a bad thing. its like my best friend whos always there for me, no matter what. it saved my life (though im not sure if thats a good thing or not). grr i dont know wat to think. I just know i dont want to stop. it sucks wearing long sleeves and freaking out wen the blood sometomes soaks through my clothes or wtvr. but it helps me so much in my darkest hours...

[bambino]

Lilys, hun
you are not going to persuade a group of people that are trying to recover from Selfharm that cutting and hurting themselves is the only option. Because, quite frankly, it's not.
Obviously we can relate, it makes us feel as if its helping- even when the opposite might be true, but after all - it is a 'coping mechanism'. It's a way of dealing with stress and emotional distress.

If you accept SH is bad for you and something to be defeated, it will be much easier for you to move on from it.

[Iris]

i know ur right im sorry everyone, and if you were able to stop cutting i have so much repect for u all.

[rissa-_-]

from my opinion i think you need to talk about how you're feeling to someone you trust. even if it's over internet, speak out, and not abuse yourself constanly. just saying it to someone will make you feel better :)

sorry if i sound like a control freak?

[bambino]

i know ur right im sorry everyone, and if you were able to stop cutting i have so much repect for u all.

I just want you to see that cutting really is a bad thing, and although its understandable how we grow attached to it- and even to enjoy it. Because its such a type of release.
Its also tinged with guilt...for me, that I'm hurting my body, when other people have disabilities and illnesses and would kill for a healthy body! also for my family and friends who love me, and it hurts them. And even though I'm agnostic I always think about how God said your body is a temple. I don't know if any of that rings true with you?


i hope you find support here and recover from cutting, we're all here to help
stay strong

[MadManWithaBox]

Cutting just isn't healthy. It's worse than other things. Its never the only soluotion, you are better than it. Of course it isn't as simple as that of course. But we're only losers when we stop trying.

[Iris]

thanx so much for the support :) i decided to try not cutting after my last post and i was able to stop for a day but then i broke and i cut a lot deeper than usual so now im scared to try and stop again because i might go too far next time...but thanks so much anyway

[MadManWithaBox]

It's good you tried to stop :) now use that strength and get some help.

[Iris]

i already go to a psychologist...

[MadManWithaBox]

You need to tel her how you feel. Be completely honest, don't hold anything back. Thats what their trained for.

[Iris]

theres not much to say...and she'l just try to get me to stop and i cant do that...