Porcupine, this is the only branch of medicine where there is little concept of "preventive care." Instead you get left to deteriorate, and if you become enough of a mess, they you can get help.

In 2005, I self-harmed after becoming hysterical, due a breakdown after some abusive treatment I received. Also, I had been drinking to try and stop anxiety, which was extreme. I am neither a "cutter," nor an alcoholic. I was just crazy and not knowing how else to show that I was unable to cope with the stress. In 2004, I was getting good outpatient care, and then the care got reduced to an inadequate level. In 2005, when I got really crazy, I ended up losing my job. I ended up living in a shelter for 3 months.