I'm new to this, so I was kind of hoping this was a "chat" forum, but hoping threads are read frequently as my need to injure myself (via cutting) is becoming more frequent and more damaging. I began at 11 and continued throughout my late teens, then stopped until last year. There was a trigger, but now, it seems that this has become my primary method of coping with the most significant emotional stressors. I cannot get into a counselor for another month and have 2 disabled children to care for as a single parent, so cannot seek help anywhere else. I'm just not sure what to do. With extensive apologies if this sets off any triggers, I am very ritualistic in that I prepare each time with Steri Strips and bandages in order to care for anything that may need stitches, etc.