self harm advice.

[Becci-Louise]

Ive got a problem with self harm. I am on a constant battle to stop my self from cutting or pulling my hair out! Trouble is that it is getting worse. Has any one got any advice on how to make it easier to stop! Thanxs

[wildwood]

You may have trichotillomania. Have a look at http://www.trichotillomania.co.uk/ for advice.

[Tat]

ok. i used to cut myself very badly (i have a million scars to show for it), so i know what you're going through. it'sn good and really important that you want to stop.you should go and see you're gp as antidepressants can help. are you depressed as well? or have an eating disorder? as these often go hand in hand with self harm (i was bulimic) as they are sort of a form of self harm too. there must be certain 'triggers' that set you off (i would always cut myself after a binge/throwing up session or if i was feeling really down or angry). if you don't know what they are you should try and work them out as you need to find a different way of dealing with those emotions/feelings so you don't have to hurt yourself. it is hard to stop as it is an addiction. i haven't cut myself for about 3 years; i still get the urge to sometimes but i can control it now. and you will overcome it too. does anyone know what you are doing? as if you had someone you could call as a sort of distraction when you get the urge it might help, even if they don't know. i don't know how old you are - you could call childline if you're under 18 on 0800 1111 or the samaritans 08457 90 90 90. (knowbody knew when i was cutting myself but when i was trying to stop i would call my mates and talk to them til the need passed, sometimes it didn't help and i'd cut myself anyway - it's very hard to stop doing as you know). also make sure you are careful when you cut yourself, i know this sounds a bit stupid, but don't use dirty blades for example - having wounds to look after is bad enough without them becoming infected). the national self harm network website may help you too http://www.nshn.co.uk i hope this helps. good luck xxxx

[tartanwiz]

You may consider coming out as a submissive, i.e. a masochist. I am not being flippant, facetious or trying to be inappropriately amusing. I am perfectly serious. Watch the film 'Secretary' and see what I mean.

[Tat]

LMAO tartanwiz! that wouldn't work as it's a control thing! HA HA HA HA HA!

[tartanwiz]

Hope I didn't cause any offence! it's not a subject I know anything about, as you have no doubt guessed.

[coemgen]

Becci-Louise, is there anything in particular that triggers off an episode of self harm? A certain situation,person etc? Do you think it may help to talk to someone, is there a sympathetic doctor you could confide in? I thought you may find these people helpful http://www.selfharmalliance.org/index.html http
://www.nshn.co.uk/index2.html I used to carve my arm up when I was a teenager, so I can sort of empathise with you. It helped me a lot to talk things through with a counsellor.

[vittoria]

Years ago I was in therapy and I was pulling my hair out because of the terrible pain I was in. The therapist told me to stop point blank, it was an order rather than something to agree on. I recommend therapy and the next step would be to see your gp and ask to be referred for counselling. Good luck - it took me over a year to convince my gp that I needed help and in fact it was only when I happened to see another gp in the practice for an unrelated reason that he realised how ill I was. I think at that time, counselling was "flavour of the month" and gps (at least mine) were routinely fobbing people off because they thought everybody wanted it because it was trendy... but I digress... if you gp fobs you off I suggest you leave it a few weeks and then go back and say you feel worse... polite persistence pays off. They hope you'll get better on your own without causing them to spend money but if you don't, they'll have to treat you sooner or later. Unfortunately depression doesn't show until it has got really serious so often gps miss the signs; a psychiatrist told me it is very difficult to spot even for specialists, never mind gps. And unfortunately, the more needy are the least able to ask for help. But I do encourage you to take the first step and try your gp.

[LadyOfQuestions]

I have an amazing friend who helped me a bit too. he says you draw a butterfly on your wrist. or something like that. it makes you feel loads better apparently. I write a diary though of each day. it helps sooo much! I cut myself almost everyday though but that's not the point. the point is that you are the one who is feeling bad. not your body. don't take it out on your body for things your mind is thinking. write a diary or talk to people who have your problem. it will really help! XXX

[Yasmine_Kelly]

Becci-Louise, I know how you feel. I am addicted to harming myself and I've promised my closest friend to stop. I don't think there is anyway to stop which is easier because it's an emotional thing. I know that if you find a release for your thoughts it can help a little. I hope this helps you and I wish you the best for your own recovery