Self harm help

[Sideways]

I don't do this very often, but if someone has time, could they just remind me that I don't have to self harm, that it's okay to say no.

Having a really rough day, and it would be great to just get that reassurance when I get home later, to help me not punish myself the way my head's telling me I have to.

Thank you so much (in advance) - I may be too bent with shame to reply straight away...

 

[joeylittle]

It really is OK to say no. You don't have to self-harm. It's an urge, but it comes from the past, where things happened to you that you did not deserve, ever, at all. I understand the shame, but there is nothing for you to be ashamed of. You're a strong person, you're working through this shit, and you deserve kindness, not punishment.

I mean it, sincerely.

 

[Justmehere]

Ditto. You don't have to self harm anymore. It is ok to say no. :hug: Those old thoughts to punish yourself, they are from the past. You have been through so much. Be as kind to you as you can be. I think it's great you reached out. :hug:

 

[BlueOrange]

It is OK to say no to self harm. I've found it pretty scary sometimes, when I've said no to self harm. I'm finding more and more ways to protect myself without hurting myself. All the people in me are better off as a result.

 

[sun seeker]

It's great that you asked. Nothing to be ashamed of at all!

 

[Friday]

Even if you want to, you don't have to.

 

[Deleted member 541]

@Ragdoll Circus Although I've never been able to wrap my brain around self harm.... there should be no shame on your part. It's just another coping skill that we use. Drinking, drugs, smoking, risk taking, yadda yadda, yadda.

 

[Sideways]

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. Honestly, I've already come back and read through the replies at least a dozen times, and mostly it ended in a lot of tears.

I feel really honoured to be part of a group of people who, come to the crunch, will just reach out a hand when someone's struggling. Tomorrow is a new day, and I know that at some point, maybe tomorrow, I need to start rebuilding my life rather than tearing it down.

But for now, your replies have given me the courage to just step back, say enough, and let myself just breathe. It's really painful. Really painful. And the self harm makes it worse. But it's your responses that have given me the courage to just say No for myself. For today. And tomorrow, if it's too hard, I'll just keep coming back here, and taking my courage from the hand you guys have held out to me.

Thank you all so much. I couldn't be more grateful, I really mean it.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

Sorry to be late but yes, it is more than ok to say "NO!" to self harm! You deserve to be loved and hugged, not hurt. You deserved and deserve better. :hug:

 

[rosey]

Echoing all others.... You dont have to act on all your thoughts..... Stay strong.

 

[Ronin]

Happy you've reached out, @Ragdoll Circus, and got the help you needed in staying safe.

 

[Sideways]

I've said it already, but I'm really struggling so I'm going to say it again... Thank you so much for these replies. It's holding the pieces of me together.