[nardg]

I had quit cutting for awhile but over the last two weeks it has been at least once a day. I have never had to have stitches luckily, but I have noticed the cuts are getting deeper then before. I talked to T today and she just told me that I need to do the things I did before to quit. That is easier said then done. All I think about is just go cut. Not sure if asking for suggestings on how to quit or just looking for attention. I do that at times to. Just wish the thoughts would go away for good.

[puzzclar]

Relapse is a part of addiction. Just keep going. One day at a time, and using the same strategies that worked in the past. It's possible.

[GreyCat1968]

Hey there... yes I think that whatever our issues they do tend to come in waves. Clearly you are on a wave of self injury right now. I guess you have been told that self injury is about regulating your emotions, most specifically a horrible inner state of distressed tension, so I guess if I were you I would be looking at what tiny little things you can do that are likely to improve your emotional state, reduce that inner distressed tension, make you feel just the slightest little bit better. For me that usually includes playing some (good, not depressing!) music, watching a dvd I really like, going for a walk, having a shower and washing my hair, reading a good book for a while, eating healthier food as opposed to unhealthy crap, NOT drinking alcohol or using much caffiene, being with people who like or care about me, making sure I get enough sleep and rest but not staying in bed during the day, writing in my journal, even just going up to the shops and hanging around looking at stuff and buying some little thing.... its all individual though... what makes you feel a little bit better??

[Sannah]

Do you understand what is causing your urges to SI?

[nardg]

Yes,I have been told that it is not being able to regulate emotions. Been given dozens of different stratagies (sp) over the years. The things I do do help, they just do not feel the emptiness feelings I have, andthe si does somehow. I have not been able to figure out why I have been cutting this time. I know that interacting with people helps. Not like going shopping and stuff like that. We use to have a day program I could go to but that closed about 10 months ago for lack of people in program.

[Sannah]

I look at "regulating emotions" as 1) understanding what is making us mad or sad or stressed or whatever and then being able to work on those instigators if they are unhealthy. 2) allowing the feelings to come without feeling bad that we have feelings or feel that we have to hide them or whatever. 3) to learn to not get overwhelmed because we have feelings - Being able to tolerate that we are mad or sad or stressed. 4) working on the past stuff so that we can empty out that emotional bucket.