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