Self harm

I am 43 and have self harmed in mild ways never have I cut myself or done anything serious.

I was very ill last week and it kept crossing my mind to cut as I was so bad and such a terrible person that I deserved pain.

It would of been a relief to me but I didnt and I am glad I didnt.

How can it be possible to want to start this at my age ?

(((Tishie)))
Self harm affects peopls of ALL ages.

This is very brave of you to admit this Tishie. I'm glad you resisted those urges. No one deserves to be punished for making mistakes except criminals of course. I suggest to tell your doctor about these recent feelings and also should read the 'sticky' posts in the self injury forum. I have answered several questions in the Q&A section and have read up on self injury because I didn't know anything about it. From what I understand a person feels overwhelmuing mental pain and when they injure, the body releases endorphins which, gives 'temporary' relief. People who injure also internalize their mental pain which intensifies the urges.
There are many good self help techniques in the sticky posts. Next time you feel this way I suggest you do some intense physical exercise which will release endorphins. You can also hold some icecubes in both hands(it will hurt like HELL) but the pain will release those endorphins. Sme people draw lines with a non-permanent marker. Writing about your feelings is always a good thing and of course talking here.
I'm very glad that you felt comfortable talking to us here. I hope you feel better Tishie.

Tishie I started cutting at 34 on and off so the answer is yes you can start this behavior at any age If you need to talk pm me ok iam now 37

Tishie,
I'm very glad that you decided not to cut. I don't think that age plays a part in this, maybe if you look back at your life you can see other areas where you did SI - it may have not been cutting but possibly an eating disorder, scratching, pushing your body too hard etc...I did not start "cutting" until I was in my late 30's, but the signs were there from other ways I had SI'd - eating disorders etc...

The thing is that now you know and can start to deal with what is going on. Do you have a therapist? A doctor? Someone that you can get a referral to so that you can start talking about what is going on.

It takes a lot of courage to come here and admit what is going on - so YIPPEE for you - but now the next step is finding some help so that you don't feel so alone and can find other ways of dealing with the pain and uncertainity.

Keep us posted...

((((((((((((((((((((((((Tishie))))))))))))))))))) SI is a way to cope. Can you look at what is going on in your life causing you so much distress. I got the feeling that you had used other forms of SI in the past. The brain gets wired that when you feel a certain level of stress and remembers that SI worked in the past and the thoughts start surfacing. This may not be what is happening but may be something to think about. Please see someone right away as it is very easy to become addicted and then it can be very difficult to stop. I am thinking of you.

BB

(((((Tishie)))))

Self harm can really hit people hard in their times of need, no matter what age. It's a shame but people can develop the need to cut or cut deeper at whatever age.

It's obvious you would be feeling the need to do more than usual (in terms of self harm) when you are really ill and the fact that you're 43 doesn't change anything. Self harm is usually associated with "angst ridden teenagers" (I heard this in a programme about SH), but really anybody can self harm (and believe me, 43 really isnt that old at all).

You should maybe tell your T about the urge to cut (if you have one) and you could probably work something out.

Love
< I_T_D >

It was at a time when I was very very distressed and hated myself more than I normaly do I was shouting in my head for peace and had this yearning to hurt myself... like i said I didnt but it was hard.

Yes I will tell the Dr about it I will have to as I have increased my meds, I am due a med revue next time I go for a script so will talk about it then.

I spose I just feel really silly at the moment ! Thank you all for your fantastic advice its made life more understandable.....

Thank you again

(((((Tish)))))
we haven't been able to look at a razor blade since we were 14, but we have never actually cut, we always thought that urge wouldn't work
but since we were abt 60, we have managed to have a number of "accidental" falls
just had another one, always when we are badly stressed

resist the urge darling, although probably nothing can stop the "accidents"



sorry if this is not helpful

Tis my pleasure

(tishie)))))))))))))) do tell your dr
my thoughts are with you kind one
please know i care and take care of you

as has been said age doesnt mean anythign in SI - its trauma - depressions - pain that takes us there 1 was 49 when I SI'd for the first time ..... and it was in a moment of sheer desperation -

wanting ot cut and not is not silly its great !!! you wanted to hurt yourself but didnt - that is fantastic !!! - you had the urge but didnt follow through - that is marvellous!!! welldone!!! yay for you !!!!!

yes you need to talk aobut it with someone and im glad youre getting a med s review - take care of yourself and let us know how you go ok
today you did great !!!!!!

P7

Well I went to the Dr and told her all about it she has taken down notes and said she will inform the shrink and therapist putting me back on their list again.

I told her about the meds increase she said I did the right amount of adjusting and that if I feel like it again I am to call and INSIST with the receptionist for me to have another appt with her as an emergency !

Thankfully at the moment I am doing ok.

Thank you all again.....