5 months without SI

Well its been 5 months. Each week gets a little easier, with exceptions of bad days of course. I have slipped up a few times since the first time I tried to quit, but this is the longest ever. There are days that I don't even think about it. There are still times that I can barely stop myself from starting all over again, and I don't know if that will ever go away but overall its getting easier.

To everyone trying to stop, just remember the first month is the hardest. It does get easier. Anyone can send me a message anytime if you want to talk.

Very good Not Emo!! Maybe you could explain how you did it?

Thanks

lol I'm still not really sure how I did, but I'll try to explain.

First, I took a little piece of paper and put 1 checkmark for every day I didn't, 7 checkmarks(1 week) in each row. If I screwed up I would draw a line through all the checkmarks and start over.

I started a diary, not to help me stop but I found out that it does.

I wrote songs, poems and drew alot, then when I started hurting myself it kinda replaced those, so I forced myself to focus on writing alot again.

Listening to music really helped, not only with quitting but with the reasons that made it hard to stop and the things that made me want to start again sometimes. I listened to specific songs because of their lyrics and meaning, if anyone wants a list of some of them just ask

Alot of the motivation was summer (shorts ). Not that I wanted to wear shorts again, I never really liked them but people would get suspicious if I didn't at all. I'm not sure how I got through last summer without anyone knowing, hopefully this summer will be easier.

So basically I mostly used art (writing, drawing, listening to music, playing instruments) as a way to deal with not only the SI but the reasons behind it. I think the key to stopping is focusing on whatever is behind the SI, not just the SI itself.

YAYY!!!!!!

Congrats

Congrats!!!!!!

That is so wonderful.

Thanks

Yes, these are all creative outlets where feelings can be dealt with! Very good work Not Emo!!!

Congratulations! wooo hoooo.

BB

Hi Not Emo

I'm fairly new here, although have lurked for some time, and your thread has inspired me to post as well.

Not to steal your thunder, but I too am just about 5 months with no SI and I know exactly how hard you have had to work - so, just to say congratulations and I hope you're able to stay SI free long term.

Fairly new? Well then lol
Anyway, thanks (gotta love the dancing red thingy lol)

Congrats, Xx_Not_Emo_xX and mcflooze.

I'm at least 2 years SI free. I didn't keep track of the day I stopped. It gets A LOT easier after the first year. I can't imagine doing it again anymore. Great job! Congratulations and good luck! Let's dance, lol.

Yay dancing!