the thighs...OUCH! I am a fellow self mutilator, I would like to think in recovery. I tried to cut on my legs once, Ouch, ouch, OUCH...and the things, that really cringes me.

It's very difficult for people who do not self mutilate to understand the compulsion behind the act. They can just cry and find relief however, we are the ones who have no tears to cry only blood to spill.Our relief is in finiding that we truly are human and can feel something. It cracks me up when I used to cut and I hear about it later and hear "I remembered when you tried to killyourself in the bathroom" This is funny to me how it is percieved. Regardless, there is support for us out there. Although, it doesn't help with the compulsion.

IF YOU REALLY WANT TO QUIT, YOU CAN! That is the good news. But you have to be wiling and ready to give it up. It's almost like going through that darn twelve step program. Admit you are powerless to SI and recognize that it is not healthy, no matter how calming it is, it is none the less UNHEALTHY.

What helped me was when I feel the urge is to write it out. To write it down as if it were happening only in my mind. To not forget one detail. To include the reasons why. This way instead of cutting up my arms and having to hide the cuts and feel the annoying itching afterward, I can just peek at my writing and feel it there. Plus the writing never fades. It's almost like a picture of the SI only in words. I don't know.

My little brother also cuts on himself and I have told him to try to write it out. Apparently he says it also works for him. He was cutting on his face and all over...so I REALLY hope it helped him.

For me, I havent cut for awhile. Not because I haven't wanted to but because I want to be strong for me and for others like me. If it is possible for me to stop, it has to be possible for you to stop. Just the same in vise versa. IT depends on the person and finding a different release. Try writing it down. That is my suggestion.

I wish you the best of luck. Keep us updated. It's not an easy thing to deal with and few on the outside understand. Even on the inside. But remember you have the power to stop. you are ultimatly the one in control, even if you don't feel like you are. TAKE THE POWER BACK.....