[Fifth_Sonata]

I know I've only been a member at Psych Central for a few days, but having everyone tell me they had regret they didn't get help sooner I think really hit home for me...

I really think I've been in denial for too long. I went a little overboard on the SI for the past few days just so I could actually physically feel and see the blood. When I needed to see it today, in the middle of class, and had to suffice by digging my nails into my palm...I think it made me realize I do need help. I've tried too long to get over it on my own.

I think I'm going to try to visit the campus psychological center tomorrow afternoon.
Should I include the self-injury on my general information form? I'm scared they'll try to send me "away."

How were you guys treated in your counseling sessions when you mentioned self-injury?

ANY advice would be appreciated. I'm getting nervous just thinking about the visit tomorrow. Please, send me a PM, a reply, whatever. I need reassurance that this isn't going to be a mistake.

[Christina86]

(((((((((Fifth_Sonata))))))))))

First, BREATHE. It will be okay. It's scary to admit you need any sort of help. Especially when going to a health centre on campus ... I remember the first time I went, and that was nerve-wracking. I didn't have to fill in any sort of intake form so I can't help you there, but how about you include the SI anyways. They're not going to try to send you away unless you're clearly trying to endanger your life. SI isn't that. They can try to make you sign a contract, but that's about as far as they can go. Just go there to talk to them. See what whomever you get has to say. If you don't seem to connect with one person, ask to be referred to someone else. It has to be a good fit for you, working through emotional stuff is hard work. Well worth it, but it can be hard. (That's not to scare you BTW). If it helps, write down everything you think they might need to know to help you (all that you're willing to share) and bring it to the appointment with you. They'll ask a lot of questions, probably ask you "why you're here" and then they'll just let you talk. Take it easy on yourself, it's hard to just "trust" another person with our stuff on the first try, so if you can't say much then that is OK.

You'll be fine, but please let us know how it goes. Good for you for making the first step. It's a hard one, so I commend you on your bravery.

Take care of YOU.

[ickydog2006]

My on campus couselor has been really understanding. She also says that she will not tell anyone unless she is worried that my life is indanger. That means either suicidal or if the cuts got so deep that I would need immediate ER treatment. I would suggest asking specifics about their confidentiality policy. I believe it's also best to ask the counselor their personal views on the policy also.

I know how hard it is to get help, but it really is worth it.

Good Luck

(((((hugs)))))

[Rapunzel]

It wasn't until my most recent two therapists that I recognized what SI was and that I had a problem with it, although I have done it since I was 5 or 6 years old in one way or another. Of the two, one had intake questionnaires that were very thorough, and I was ready to get everything on the table, so I was honest about it from the start. He dealt with SI pretty well, and tried to explore the reasons behind it. It was important for him to know that I cut, because part of what that did for me was to validate that I really did need help. There is a reason for it, and it is the reason that is important.

My current T has her own scars. I knew her from a class I took that she taught, and I knew that she would be understanding about SI because of the way she covered it in class. I actually confessed my cutting to her several months before I became a client. Her response put me at ease about talking to her about it right away, although I didn't know that she had experience with SI. She said that it was understandable, and even "healthy at the core," as at least it is an attempt to cope. Maybe it isn't the best way to deal with our problems, but at least we are trying and not just giving up. I still needed more therapy, and probably would not have looked for it if I had not found her.

Neither of them has dwelt on the topic of SI, and it has not come up in the majority of sessions. It doesn't need to be a main focus of therapy.

Some therapists are better with this issue than others, so if the one you start with doesn't handle it well, find someone else. But awareness is increasing rapidly, and along with it is the understanding that the last thing we need is more shame and guilt over the last coping resource we have left.

I am glad that you have decided to get help. Please let us know how it goes.

TC,
Rap

[jacq10]

(((((((((((((((fifth_sonata)))))))))))))))

First i just really want to commend you for recognizing that you need a little bit of help with what you are struggling with. Going to seek professional help is a big step, but i know that you will be OK. I am seeing a counsellor at my University rigth now, and i've talked with her about SI before too ... as mentioned above, they won't "send you away" or anything unless you are in serious danger to yourself - i.e., suicidal. In most cases, they will just talk with you to try and figure out why you SI and things that you can do to try and replace that action with something else. Unfortunately SI is no and uncommon thing, and i'm sure that whoever you go to see will have some sort of experience in that area.

Try not to get too anxious about this appointment, it is a good thing, and i'm sure that it will go fine.

Hand in there,
Jacq