Thank you very much!

I'm not really sure, honestly. SI was a "new" thing for me that just came out of the blue not that long ago. I indulged the craving and found great pleasure and release from the activity. It became more frequent and necessary.

When I went IP in January, I "confessed" to a couple of people who really care about me and promised that I wouldn't engage in the behavior any more. Those types of promises are not generally beneficial but I have managed to keep it.

Also, I am an old woman. While I completely understand any and all self-destructive coping mechanisms, I have managed to go through life so far with a debilitating MI without developing an addiction, eating disorder, or other harmful coping mechanism....until my SI.

I just work really hard at distracting myself and finding something else to soothe myself in the moment. So far it is working.

Thank you for the praise and encouragement!