[Sugarlump]

I'm no longer able to keep my cutting under control. I cannot fight the urge. I don't want to fight the urge! I'm scared.

[CANDC]

Sugarlump, welcome to Psych Central. Sorry to hear you are doing self injury. This not only harms the body but creates a negative self image that is self reinforcing.

Getting professional help would be the first line of action. A psychiatrist or a therapist could help. If you are feeling self injury threatens your life you should get to an ER or call a prevention hotline.

If you think of your body as your child, you are doing harm to your child. This is very serious and should be stopped immediately. If voices are telling you to do this. Tell them to go away or do breathing exercises to focus on something else. Here is one example.

Breathing exercise to be done in normal breathing, do not force.
If you are feeling very anxious or angry or just want to calm down, you can try a breathing exercise that takes the attention away from the trigger of anxiety to a simple tool of counting breaths.

Find a comfortable position seated or laying down. Begin to relax your breathing. Silently count 1 on the inhale, and two on the exhale. Then silently count 3 on the inhale and 4 on the exhale. Continue up to 10 or until you lose the count then return to one. No judgement. I sometimes end up at 18 then smile and return to 1. The idea is to focus on the breath and the counting and not get sucked into the anxiety or anger trigger. Also works to quiet the mind.

If you have open wounds, then stop the bleading by applying pressure and bandage your wounds, that is an act of calling for peace with the body. It is a way to start the healing process.

Keep in touch with people here at PC. We care about you, but you are responsible to start the healing process. If you cannot do that, then seeking professional help will be an important step to recovery.

i'm here if you want a chat. i recommend seeing a therapist too - mine gives me good coping skills for SI.