I started when I was 13. I was dealing with depression and getting overwhelmed by my emotions. From there it definitely became an addiction. In ninth grade I would carry a blade with me to school and do it during lunch in the bathroom. I did it frequently until I was 19. When I was 19 I had ect after an impulsive suicide attempt and my bp went into remission for awhile. I started self harming again when they resurfaced at age 25. It was much less frequent, but much more intense and dangerous when it did happen. Mostly during mixed states.

I harmed badly right after my husband died in may of 2015. ER and IP. while in the hospital I realized that I was all my son had anymore and I couldn't be doing **** like that anymore. I've only minorly harmed once since then.

I actually got a tattoo to cover up my forearm scars and dissuade me from doing it anymore. It's too beautiful to ruin. I will be getting another tattoo on my other forearm when I can afford it.