Home Menu

Menu


Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old Feb 02, 2013, 03:26 AM
wishIwouldchange's Avatar
wishIwouldchange wishIwouldchange is offline
Member
 
Member Since: Feb 2013
Posts: 27
I have self harmed (as they like to call it) for over 30 years, and have 7 months free from it. The issue I am having is it has been 7 months, but I'm in a really hard month right now and really want to do something again. I can not seem to make it through February any time I have attempted to quit. I have made it through today, which is one day of February. How do I get through the rest of the month? How do I get over or through the cravings? I need advice from successful people that have gone before me, or people that are working at succeeding right now. What has worked for you?

I long to be free from this for good!!!
Hugs from:
smmath, ThisWayOut

advertisement
  #2  
Old Feb 02, 2013, 11:58 AM
Sannah's Avatar
Sannah Sannah is offline
Legendary
 
Member Since: Jul 2008
Posts: 19,179
Do you have a therapist?
__________________
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  
Old Feb 02, 2013, 02:44 PM
ThisWayOut's Avatar
ThisWayOut ThisWayOut is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Member Since: Jan 2013
Location: in my own little world
Posts: 4,227
I wonder what it is about February that triggers you... you don't have to answer it here, but it's something to think about (anniversary? valentines day? birthday? significant in some way?). I know I have the hardest times around large life upheavals (like my recent move) and anniversaries. Even the anniversary of the last bout of really bad self injury is somewhat triggering...
As for what to do about it? I reach out like crazy, sometimes I indulge the fantasy of engaging in si (think about it in full detail without actually doing anything... but I don't recommend it, it can be more triggering than it's worth), I remind myself of the things I will lose if I start cutting again... I journal and write a lot, I draw pictures, paint, collage... anything to get the details out. I find it works well for me so far. but again, I don't recommend it as it may be too triggering (just want to underscore that piece)... I also try to tell my new therapist, tho that is not going too well at the moment. He is only an intern, and I just started seeing him, so my trust is pretty low in him. It worked better with my old therapist, who I knew and trusted. It definitely helped to talk about it, and she would help me remember why it is that I don't want to keep doing it.
I've found the usual suggestions don't really work with me, they don't have the same impact, so my mind just writes them off... If you are up north, you could try going outside briefly without a coat to get the same shock value... but again, brielfy.
I hope you make it through the month... what was it that helped yesterday? can you keep doing that?
good luck.
  #4  
Old Feb 02, 2013, 03:25 PM
wishIwouldchange's Avatar
wishIwouldchange wishIwouldchange is offline
Member
 
Member Since: Feb 2013
Posts: 27
I have just found a new therapist this last week who deals with addiction. I like him so far, but we have only had the intake appointment.

Not totally sure why February triggers me. I have some ideas. I it my birth month and that was never important to anyone. I was horribly abused on my birthday. The whole month just has a yuck feeling to it.

I reached out and made it through so far, but have not had as many cravings as I do now. I do like the idea of writing in a journal (although I hate doing it), but expressing the feelings or impulses I am having. Also, like drawing a body on a piece of paper and marking up the paper instead of me. It helps sometimes. Calling people is good but challenging, as I do not have any friends that deal with si at all. I have called hot lines, but feel I can't fully be real about what I am struggling with.
Although, they came me the idea to look up groups like this, so I am hopeful this will be a source of help as well.

I read the list of things I could do instead, but value more what people have really done that has helped.

Thank you Sannah and MdngtRain for responding.
Hugs from:
Sannah
Reply
Views: 364

attentionThis is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:09 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.




 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.