[smmath]

i am pretty sure that i have OCD. i took the tests online and they say it's extremely likely that i have it. i cut compulsively. i do it before and ususally after my shower. the longest i've gone without cutting was almost a week, and that was after i talked to someone i really care about. i know i need to stop, but it seems to have become part of who i am. when i see the cuts healing i fell compelled to make new ones to take their place. and it's starting to become important to me that my arms have about the same amount of cuts and in the same places on both arms. does anyone have any advice for me on how to help with my OCD?

First of all, if your not under any mental health team, please visit your doctor, explain your symptoms and see if you require assessment. You might be offered all sorts of treatment options like medication or therapy and its worth looking into trust me. Is there anything in particular which triggers you to cut or do you find it more of an unexplainable urge which doesn't go away until you act upon it? Self harm is not considered a disorder in itself (apparently) and is usually an indicator of something else so i would definately get it checked out. In the mean time, search on here for replacement techniques which could prove helpful. For me i like to hold ice cubes in my hands really tightly as i find the sensation similiar to cutting - other than that i would perhaps try making your implements less obtainable, hiding them and then trying to find them when your in need can sometimes pass the time without you knowing it and your urge might subside. This on the other hand might increase your urge and lead you to doing something more dangerous so be careful. Is there a 'less dangerous' implement you could use, one that is likely to cause less damage? Some people on here have suggested switching to an old toothbrush which you can use to scratch really hard without breaking the skin. Maybe you could open up to the person you really care about, if you haven't already, and see whether they are able to help you in any way? They seem like a calming influence on you is there a possibility perhaps you could go stay with them a bit? (presuming of course you don't live with them already) Good luck and PM if you need to chat

[grey_aj]

Although self-harm is not yet considered an official mental condition, it might be classified as one soon. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) is coming out in 2013, and there is a section called Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSRI) that is currently pending for approval.

Originally Posted by ajbpdljhsk

Although self-harm is not yet considered an official mental condition, it might be classified as one soon. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) is coming out in 2013, and there is a section called Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSRI) that is currently pending for approval.

Ooh this is interesting...thanks for the heads up.

[LiteraryLark]

Self-injury is a type of disorder. It's an addiction which is very hard to break without proper support systems. Cutting is not a compulsive behavior related to OCD. I would need a lot more information to guess whether or not you have OCD, which, of course, can only be diagnosed by a doctor, but simply not being able to control your cuttng or the need to cut in the same places is not at all related to OCD. People can have tendencies that are symptoms of this disorder or that disease or that problem, but when you look at the bigger picture you realize that those are just normal habits that make us human. Again, I can't diagnose your OCD or confirm whether it's possible you have it. I can say from experience that I have always had an obsession with compulsive hand washing and an intense irrational fear of germs, both of which are high indicators of OCD, but it doesn't mean I have it. It's just a habit of mine that makes me human. I used to take online tests to figure out what was wrong with me but when I was sure I was one thing it wasn't until I diagnosed that I figured out it was something completely different--bipolar disorder. You can't base your diagnosis on some online test, you NEED to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

As for your cutting, I also used to cut for two years. I enjoyed seeing the blood and the scars that proved something irrational to me, and I would get urges that felt so uncontrollable that I felt like I had no choice. I know what you are going through. You may feel like cutting is all you know right now, but that's not true. There is a strong, empowered spirit inside of you, supressed by the urges to cut, that is trying to tell you to be strong enough to face your own inner demons. It's is very tough, but it is possible for you to get help and quit cutting. Even after you have quit cutting, you will still feel urges for you to cut, and sometimes you will have an "accident" by cutting without the intention to continue to cut, but you just have to get back on your feet and try again.

DBT therapy has really helped me--dialectical behavioral therapy--for cutting. There it will teach you mindfullness and other ways for you to help yourself--the ultimate goal is to be able to fight your own demons without being dependent on others.

You need to see a therapist to help you get you through this tough time. I don't think possible OCD is your biggest concern, I think you need to find another outlet other than cutting.

--Dr. Skipper, 19, bipolar, ex self-injurer

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by smmath

i am pretty sure that i have OCD. i took the tests online and they say it's extremely likely that i have it. i cut compulsively. i do it before and ususally after my shower. the longest i've gone without cutting was almost a week, and that was after i talked to someone i really care about. i know i need to stop, but it seems to have become part of who i am. when i see the cuts healing i fell compelled to make new ones to take their place. and it's starting to become important to me that my arms have about the same amount of cuts and in the same places on both arms. does anyone have any advice for me on how to help with my OCD?

smmath, don't rely on on-line tests to diagnose yourself. Cutting can be a symptom of so many differenrt disorders. Like the others I'd encourage you to seek out a professional opinion.

Meanwhile, have you checked out the self-injury forum here at PC? Folks there might be able to help with ideas and support.