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Old Jul 08, 2015, 05:30 AM
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splitimage splitimage is offline
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Member Since: Mar 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
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The good news is it doesn't have to last forever. I self-injured for a little longer than you, before actively deciding to stop, and then it took me another 3 -4 years, with long periods of no cutting with occassional slips.

It has now been over 4 years since I cut. I still get urges sometimes, but I can ignore them, and do something healthy to cope.

For me, learning what was underneath the need to cut - what emotions I couldn't stand, was key, as was learning healthier coping alternatives.

I had the help of a great therapist who was experienced in dealing with self injury plus a lot of help from another web site. If you're not currently seeing a counsellor, I'd highly recommend it, if you can. I also recommend dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) if you can get it. It helped me stop some other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

splitimage
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"I danced in the morning when the world was begun. I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun". From my favourite hymn.

"If you see the wonder in a fairy tale, you can take the future even if you fail." Abba

Thanks for this!
Fizzyo