I've been a self-mutilater since I was 12. I've cut, burned, scratched, everything I possibly could to inflict some sort of physical pain that keeps me from my emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes I go through 'dry' spells, where I don't cut for a couple of months, but when I do fall to the blade again, I cut REALLY bad... I sliced my arm and ankle up almost three weeks ago and they are all just now scabbing over. My therapist and family says cutting isn't a good coping mechanism, but why? I'm not doing it to kill myself. I'm not doing it to hurt anyone else, either. I'm doing it to release the hate and sadness I hold inside. It helps me! All of my coping mechanisms have been taken from me... My alcohol is gone, my drugs are gone, all I have left is my cutting! Why can't I be normal for once? *sigh*

Sorry, I just needed to vent.

[Edited for triggering material - do not view or download attachment if you are triggered by seeing self-injury.]