Quote:
Originally Posted by Abby
I appreciate your support but I don't think self harm should be said to be a "dumb thing to do" for whatever reason. It is a coping mechanism for me, a way of getting out very overwhelming and painful emotions. I have a lot of knowledge surrounding my own self harm issues. If you would like to learn more there are a lot of articles to read both on this forum and elsewhere online.
I am not currently with family, and they are obviously aware that I am not well since I have had to be signed off work. I am not in a position emotionally to deal with this wedding plus shame of telling my family right now. Hence why i hope for support from those that can relate and have the same sort of issues. My mental health problems are not linked to self esteem issues either.
I really would just like some support for how bad I'm feeling in order to cope with this weekend in the best way I can.
|
Hey there,
I am happy that you said something for yourself (and others) about how it should not be stated that self harm is a dumb or stupid thing to do. It is a coping mechanism, and the idea behind it is completely logical.
I have struggled with self harm for years. I haven't found that talking to someone when I am feeling that urge to be very helpful personally. However, talking about what it does for you can be very helpful, because once you understand not WHY you do it, but what you GET from it, you can start to come up with replacement activities.
Hiking, and any sort of physical activity that leaves me sore or exhausted has been very beneficial for me. Along with art and music. Sometimes it's as simple as putting on some loud music and screaming into a pillow until I'm too tired to care. Or going for a long walk.
Some people find that drawing on themselves with a red pen, or holding ice for extended periods of time helps.
As for dealing with family and social situations, it can be hard to let people in on how you are doing, and can be extremely difficult to bring up the topic of self harm. I don't necessarily think you need to tell your family about the self harm itself if you don't feel that you need to. (If you want to tell them or talk to them about it, by all means, don't hold it in) But another option would be to talk to them about how you're feeling. Be it stress, or any other emotion. Talk about the reasons behind why you want to self harm, and come up with a solution, or replacement that you can handle.
All the best to you love.