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#1
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I don't mean this offensively; obviously, everyone's different. I've been doing it for a year and a half, and I don't consider it an addiction. I've never NEEDED to do it, I don't think. It hasn't gotten in the way of anything, and all my cuts and scars are primarily on my upper arm, back (belt), and chest. Most are covered up by short sleeve shirts. I'm new to this site, and I'm not sure I know what a trigger is, so I'll just throw out the warning anyway.
Here is a trigger warning. Like that? Ok. So, yeah, I've had blood soak into a few shirts and sheets, maybe a drop on the jeans. Mostly comes out in the wash. Maybe I don't consider it an addiction because I've never tried to quit. I simply feel like it is a symptom, not the problem. Just like drinking, or not eating, or not getting out of bed. I'm certain there are folks to whom these would be the problems in and of themselves. I hope they don't think I'm saying anything about them. I'm basically just asking if I'm maybe addicted and don't recognize it. Has anyone else felt like they simply did it for stress relief, or self-punishment, or pretty colors, etc., and then come to find they can't quit when they try? I'm certain I sound like a moron, so I'll probably delete this post soon. Last edited by doesntmatter; Mar 12, 2010 at 12:39 PM. |
#2
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Yes, it is a symptom. A symptom of what though? This what is the problem..........
__________________
Don't let your problems or the world make you feel small. Stretch your arms out over your head. Take a deep breathe. Tell yourself that you are big. You are big, not small. You always have space, you are not trapped........ I'm an ISFJ |
#3
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It is usually a symptom of other problems AND it is an addiction in it's own way.
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#4
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Dear Doesn't ~ No, you don't sound like a moron in any way. And in fact, you write very well! I have no expertise in this area, although I am considered a [recovering] addict of substances. In my humble and non-expert opinion I will say these things: You say you do this, in part, for stress relief. That's one of the main reasons substance addicts do their substances. One way to find out if you have an addiction is to try and quit! Just a thought. billieJ
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FORGIVENESS Releases the poison from your system and sets you free ![]() |
#5
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I believe it is an addiction. Just as much as a substance or other habits like gambling. I self injure - not frequently but i have never been able to completely quit. Also SI releases endorphins which are feel good chemicals in your brain, much like runners high. So it has been said that it can be addicting. Whether or not it si for an individual varies just like not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic.
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#6
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So interesting.
Is it an addiction? Is it not? I know that, in the grip of it, quitting is the damndest of difficult things to do. And I've seen, again in my own experience, that it is possible to go years without thinking of it. Yet again, I've seen it come back... just as fiercely and quickly as it all started. All it takes is one slip... So yes. I actually do think it is an addiction... among other things. |
#7
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I think that's a key observation. Some people get addicted to self harming, and some people don't. Some people are able to quit easily and some people aren't. I am glad you do not feel addicted. That will make it easier when you do decide to stop.
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If you are wondering if you might be addicted, why not try stopping for a while and see what happens? If you can't do that, then maybe you are addicted. Quote:
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"Therapists are experts at developing therapeutic relationships." |
![]() Bill3, Sannah
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#8
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i think that when it comes to people who need it, it is an addiction
__________________
MCLEAN HOSPITAL ALUMN!! www.mylifeintreatment.com there is a LOT of personal information on there from my current hospitalization and it may not be for everyone, but it's a good read! please PM me anytime, day or night... i am always awake and wanting to talk!! We'd never know what's wrong without the pain Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same |
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