Recent musings on self harm and this forum

[AlmostHomeless]

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[Rawiyah]

To be honest, I don't think it'd be smart to wait until college to "get help".
I can completely relate to you when it comes to hearing about other people talking about cutting making you feel worse.

To be honest, though, it sounds like self harm is your only coping mechanism. I think it usually tends to get worse unless you find another way to cope with stress or emotional pain. Have you tried to seek professional help before?

[AlmostHomeless]

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[Rawiyah]

I think if you can, it could be helpful to talk with your school counselor (if you have one!) or I think they have online chat rooms available on SUI Help sites like, Teen Line (http://teenlineonline.org/) and PsychCentral (http://psychcentral.com/helpme.htm). Just some food for thought.

Seriously, though, SH is really hard to overcome on your own. I can definitely understand parents not understanding, or being judgmental.

[AlmostHomeless]

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[Alexithymia]

One thing I know is that after a while, after you begin to get better, the Psychiatric Ward of VT holds not so nice things for the mind. Just because it holds all of the past of your cutting, depression, and all of that. But once you're strong again, you can come back here.

Get help. I know you're parents believe different beliefs than getting help, but you need to get it as soon as possible. But don't think that the first therapist will be the best. You'll probably have to go through four or five therapists before you find one that actually helps.

Edit: I agree with Rawiyah. One of the things that really helps is having multiple coping mechanisms. The best thing that usually helps me is taking a walk. Just taking a walk. And then taking a shower. Then reading. But I don't know what will work for -you-. Just make sure that you have things you can fall onto when you're feeling depressed or have an urge to cut. I know that when you want to cut, you don't want to stop, but still, try.

[Mortal Coil]

Remember that lip and cheek biting, while less noticeable and extreme, is still a form of SH. I'm in almost the exact same situation as you, I can't go to anyone because of judgemental parents etc., but can tell you that even finding a close friend who you trust to talk about this stuff- yes, talk about it- and get it off your chest will make a diference. Once you come to terms with what you've done and why you did it, you can move on from it.
Try keeping a calendar of every day you don't cut, or whenever you do, write why. Once you see a pattern, try and avoid triggers.