Nikki,

It does seem to help, but there are better ways to deal with your feelings. The sooner you can stop, the better, because once it is an established habit some of us find that we do it automatically or have a hard time finding motivation to look for other options.

There is a reason why you feel like hurting yourself. The first step is to recognize your feelings and know that you are allowed to have them. Don't let anybody minimize what you feel or your personal value. Try to find someone you can talk to. You are welcome to vent to us here. Also consider therapy. You didn't say what kind of doctor you are going to, but if it is a general practitioner, s/he probably doesn't have the training to know the best way to help you. You need to have someone you can be open with and not have to worry about an overreaction. It sounds like your job is something that you are good at and that helps you. This shouldn't have to interfere with it.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Wendy

<font color=orange>"If we are going to insist that people pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, we must ensure that they have boots."</font color=orange>