in the case of my ED (can be form of SI)... it simply no longer works as a release.. it has quit being the release of emotions.... so needed to find something else.. ie massage therapy...that releases emotions..
just a thought.. for me it is progress.. the mechanism (ED) that I used to use.. no longer works.. went onto something that works in a more positive fashion.
Though there is a transitional period, that I have spent some time (dabbling).. trying to make the ED still work..but since I am not getting what I "want" from it ie the release of my emotions.. there is no "sense" in doing it..

none of this probably makes sense..