Obsession

[Axellance]

I just thought while I was here I might as well...

I haven't cut myself in years, I was finally able to move past it, and I have some tips for you.

My number one suggestion is get off your sinking computer and go live. Enjoy life! I know it's hard to imagine when you are in such a dark place but it's really never going to help you to stalk the self harm section of vt and obsess about your cutting problem and read about others struggles. These forms can actually serve as a trigger! Odd concept? I know, I probably would have laughed in my own face if I read this five years ago. If you are becoming obsessed, take a break from this section of vt please!

I'm sure I'll get trashed pretty hard for this one but those who need to hear this will hopefully see the truth in it. They just might see that they are triggering a spiral effect by spending so much time in here.

This is not meant to say anything bad about vt and what it stands for. I think it can be a great resource, but in the wrong mindset, and if abused some of these forms can serve as a hindrance to your success.

[DarkHorse4eva]

it might help you to get away from the forum and experience the world, but for some it might help being here.
it helped me being here, i found help and i owe my online friends that, because they're the only people that could help me. i'm now on 3 months without self harm, and i wouldn't have gotten so far if i left the site and went outside instead.

[xXl0sth0peXx]

I don't think the OP meant never use VT and the internet and that people shouldn't join VT and that VT isn't helpful and whatnot. I think what he meant is take the things that VT helps with and take them out into life. Instead of maybe spending 12 hours on VT/online, maybe gradually spend less, but go and do something else. I also owe a lot to online friends.

I'm a sucker for taking nice walks. Sometimes, not looking at a screen and holding a nice book or something is extremely relaxing. I wouldn't be able to know what I know today or be where I am without the use of VT, and it will probably be a part of my life for a while.

But the point of VT is to help you be able to experience the world. It won't happen overnight, but I honestly agree with the OP. Sometimes, the forums can be triggering, just like tumblr is sometimes, or any place. There's never anything wrong with a break or less time.

[Axellance]

Well said, that is exactly what I'm getting at. I don't think abandoning your whole support system is a good idea. However, you need to be able to get out of the house off the computer and enjoy life to really put it behind you. I only say this because I was in that cycle not able to really move forward. Vt had given me the tools I needed but I couldn't really apply them in daily life when I was spending so much of my time thinking about self harm. Think of this like your safe nest where you can talk openly about what you are going through... Eventually you really need to spread your wings and fly.

[myfoodisnotshared]

I guess I know what you're saying about reducing your time, but I tried stopping completely and it didn't really work for me. Yes, I was obsessing and I was being triggered as I read other people's posts, but when I stopped using it I forgot how good it had felt to be able to write 'I haven't self harmed in two days' or 'I know you can stop because I was in your boat too and I got out of it'. Sure there were other things that made me go back, but I lost my connection to the people who cared. I guess what I'm saying is that I agree with you - I just think we all have to remember how many people there are on here that haven't stopped, and this site is their lifeline.

[ksdnfkfr]

I tend to shy away from a lot of SH posts for fear of triggering. I want to help, but a lot of times I back off. Makes me feel a little guilty. I'm glad there's others here who are able to give good advice.