Dude, why can't I stop cutting?! Why?! Sorry, I just felt like posting something. But seriously? Why can't I stop?

I wish that I had the answers for you but I don't as this is something I struggle with too.

[adam_k]

I stopped for my girlfriend, now wife. I found the guilt and shame outweighed what SI did for me. I found it to be a coping mechanism that let me feel stop feeling despair for a little while. I thought feeling numb was slighty more bearable. It's been 8 years since I last did it, but I still feel the urges too when I get really depressed. I hope you find another way to cope with what is going on in your life.

[bluegirl...?]

Wish i could help what triggers you?
...Blue

[beadlady29]

beads wishes she had teh answer to THAT question.......................thenmabe we could stop too.............sorry we not much help but st lesat u no u not teh only oen uot tehir with this issue....................anyways hang in their................we sendign u hug iffenu wantone...
beads

[mazing]

SI can become an addiction - just like drugs or alcohol. It can be as hard to stop.

Are you seeing a therapist? Often the only way to overcome is to try and address the situations and feelings that cause you to SI and find a reason that you want to stop. It's not easy and there are often relapses but it is possible.

[smmath]

Originally Posted by adam_k

I stopped for my girlfriend, now wife. I found the guilt and shame outweighed what SI did for me. I found it to be a coping mechanism that let me feel stop feeling despair for a little while. I thought feeling numb was slighty more bearable. It's been 8 years since I last did it, but I still feel the urges too when I get really depressed. I hope you find another way to cope with what is going on in your life.

I am sooo glad that you haven't done it for 8 years. that is really a commendable accomplishment. Congradulations and I really hope that the urges that us who have SI'd eventually become tolerable and disipate.

[Sannah]

I agree with mazing, you have to address the reasons that are causing the urges to SI in order to stop SI.

I don't know what causes it... :/ Depression?

[adam_k]

For me it was feelings of depression and worthlessness. Sometimes I did it because I felt so bad and when I hurt myself it made me feel better. Other times I did it because at the time I did not like myself. Have you tried talking to a professional that has experience in this?

I talked to a school counselor that didn't help very much, and a psychiatrist who gave me medications, which I didn't find very effective. I eventual found a psychologist that dealt with childhood trauma/neglect and she was able to help sort some of the emotions/thoughts out. At least until my insurance ran out. It helped me to talk to someone who wasn't judgmental and could help me figure out what I got out of it and better ways to cope. After talking to her I felt less messed up and more like someone who is trying to deal with overwhelming emotions. I hope this helps you.

[nicoleb2]

Originally Posted by Nikole2718

I don't know what causes it... :/ Depression?

Can you think of anything more specific? Like, for me, sometimes I feel numb so I cut because I NEED to feel something. Sometimes it's my way of taking out anger on myself, other times as an escape from other uncomfortable emotions.

[NoCake]

Do you get a familiar feeling whenever you feel like doing it?