This is something I do - In my opinion it is not something that you can stop on your own as it is usual to start SI to cope with something else that you have difficulty with - for me it is dealing with emotions and darker thoughts. Cutting releases endorphins which temporarily can make you feel better and so it can become addictive.

Thankfully I have a degree of control over my behaviour and my wounds have not needed serious medical attention, however as with other addictions I am aware that the behaviour can become more intensive and become more serious.

Also it can leave life long scars that people can be embarrassed about.

I think SI can be scarey for others to deal with and as a mum myself, that concern would kick in big time if my kids started doing this and my reaction may also be to get them immediate help.

My T is happy to work with me with this - actually we don't talk about it much, he just checks in form time to time as the behaviour gives us some inidication of how I am doing in terms of dealing with the big emotional stuff. I think the theory is as I get better at dealing with life, this behaviour will stop.

Sorry if this sounds a little theoretical and not very real - I can only really talk about it if I detach myself from it slightly and talk about is as my "behaviour".

I would definitely recommend getting a T who is used to dealing with SI. Good luck, let us know how you get on. Keep safe - SD.