When does it stop?

I've been cutting since I was 14. I'm 39 now. I have more control over my urges. But the need to do it is still there. It's been 11 days since I've hurt myself.

Will the need ever go away???

I started cutting when I was 21 and I am now 25, and I havent cut since the beginning of June but I still have the urges. I think what has changed is that I am dealing with the urges a lot better. I have the control. I am not sure if these urges will ever go away. I just know that I can change how I deal with them day by day

I don't think the urge will ever go away. But I'm sure there's ways to be strong enough not to cut. Such as copeing skills and exercises. Maybe therapy as well. I also have a hard time with my urges tthough. Maybe one day we'll find the answer to not cutting.
Hugs!

It can be over come with therapy and a lot of will power. Though it has been ten years since I quit I have admit the thought still comes to me now and then. That is when go back and think of my coping skills and whether I have been taking care of myself and handling stress more appropriately.

I think that it takes time, and the idea of self harm might never totally leave your mind, but things can get easier and therapy helps with that.