High anxiety= self harm?

[Smile]

My bro is arriving tonight and staying by me for a few days. I wanted to freshen up my place, ser up his bed etc but anxiety has been so high. I texted him the above and he said not to worry about it at all.

I've taken 8 mg of Xanax today so far and was still feeling "antsy". So I cigarette burnt myself. Made me feel well enough to post on here.

I'm curious why self harm is helpful and whether I should go back to my T who I stopped seeing around 2 months ago...

How do you know when inpatient is needed? Aside from attempted suicide....

 

[Grlwitaissue]

My bro is arriving tonight and staying by me for a few days. I wanted to freshen up my place, ser up his...

I'm not sure why hurting ourselves brings so much relief. I also inflict pain on myself in times of extreme stress and anxiety. Maybe it is the routine of sitting down with a razor or lit cigarette and focusing on the one thing that seems to be louder than the racing thoughts in your head. It's not healthy but neither is being in distress for hours or days on end. Inpatient treatment is of course the safest and most sure way to protect yourself. If you are seeing a therapist, maybe ask to meet with them more often or get an appointment as soon as you can to discuss with them if inpatient is the best option. It definitely is if your self harming becomes synonymous with suicide attempts, or if you fear for your safety. Also, perhaps Xanax isn't the right medication for you. If you are taking it as prescribed and still suffering such strong systems of anxiety perhaps changing to a different prescription such as adavan or adding an antidepressant may be something to discuss with your doctor. Lithium worked very well for me as far as stopping thoughts and actions of self harm while I was on it, and it's not habit forming wich really is a good thing. Sometimes wanting to hurt yourself goes hand in hand with drug seeking behavior, causing some to settle for medication that isn't doing what needs to be done.

 

[Twilight]

Cutting or burning, etc, releases hormones in the body that temporarily make us feel better. Of course, we know this is not good and is self-destructive. Better to release feel-good hormones in a non-destructive way. For example, go for a 20-30 min walk at a brisk pace, listen to music that puts you in a good place, etc. I wish you love and peace.

 

[Nat P]

My bro is arriving tonight and staying by me for a few days. I wanted to freshen up my place, ser up his...

The need to feel something when psychologically numb, being overwheled,anger turned inward, ate some of the many reasons that people choose self harm as an option. Knowing that you have this tendency, make a plan to substitute a healthier , less destructive behavior to occupy your hands and mind the next time you feel this way, like art or dance, or yard work, sprinting , which can also seriously help u feel, in place of a behavior you are fully aware wI'll not bring any positive result, and wI'll ultimately land u back in therapy willing or not. That being said, please seek the support of a professional to sort through these triggers and create a plan of action to respond when that thought strikes.

 

[Fox]

My bro is arriving tonight and staying by me for a few days. I wanted to freshen up my place, ser up his...

Hey Smile...
I'm really sorry you're feeling like this. I relate to getting anxious about house guests. It freaks me out.

It sounds like your meds aren't doing their job properly, if I was in your shoes my first port of call would be my therapist and if they aren't available immediately then my Dr. I'd also do some strong yoga or play my guitar and sing or groom my horse. Something that I find soothing most times. Plus lots of mindfulness. Even if you're only being mindful of the fact you are numb. You are still being mindful.

 

[Smile]

Hey Smile...
I'm really sorry you're feeling like this. I relate to getting anxious about house guests. It...

Yoga, play music... all things I used to love. Now don't have the head to do anything but sit. Watch tv mindlessly. Play mindless games

 

[DreamEater]

Despite what most claims are I find that self harm has helped me some times in life not because it feels good at all. It's because the outward pain distracts me from my inner turmoil. It's like jumping in a cold shower when you're horny, actually jumping in a cold shower helps with anxiety too. It's the shock value that's important not the pain alone.

 

[Smile]

Despite what most claims are I find that self harm has helped me some times in life not because it f...

I totally agree with you

 

[WishfulThinking123]

High anxiety is my major trigger to want to self harm... It does make me feel really good because of the release of hormones it gives me an almost "high", problem is it becomes extremely addictive and you'll eventually need more and more pain to gain the same effect if that makes sense? My T states at first alternative coping mechanisms like running or listening to music wont feel as good but over time they will and they will be much better for you in the long run. I haven't self harmed in a few months and I still have scars from when I did...not fun

 

[Smile]

High anxiety is my major trigger to want to self harm... It does make me feel really good be...

Good on you for holding back for so long

 

[WishfulThinking123]

@Smile I owe it all to God, without my faith in God/Jesus I doubt very much that I would be here right now! He always pulls me through :)

 

[Smile]

@Smile I owe it all to God, without my faith in God/Jesus I doubt very mu...

I'm glad you have that comfort :)