Self injury

[loui50]

I've recently started self injuring by digging my fingernails into my wrists and breaking the skin drawing blood. I have worked with t and determined the trigger for the emotional stress is feeling of abandonment. My husband is leaving next monday on a business trip and i want to rip my wrists to shreds. I cut/bit my nails off and couldnt dig them in. I f*cking lost control. I needed that pain. I actually got a knife and almost cut myself but i was able to stop myself when i noticed my thumb nail was still long. I dug it into my wrist as hard as i could. What is wrong with me? I have never done this or felt this before. It started about 6 weeks ago. T knows about it. How do you stop this? I'm really scared.

 

[Joan]

Just know that you are not alone. Self harm tries to create a different pain when something else feels to much or you feel nothing and need to feel something. I am so impressed that your T already knows. I used to self harm and it took me a really long time before I told. sometimes shocking your system with ice, something really cold or really hot works, sometimes punching, scribbling, throwing paint at paper, exercising, taking a walk outside. Keep talking, keep reaching out!

 

[trying to heal]

Not sure if it helps but you are not alone. I have 2 fresh burns and arms full of scabs from where i keep hurting myself. I currently dont have a T or anyone to talk about it with. Im glad you were able to tell your T. Take care.

 

[Deleted member 34328]

As someone who has also just begun the spiral of self-harm, I strongly encourage you to find an accountability person and fight the urges when they come.

Yes, ice can shock your system...numb the hand that would often do the harm. I bought one of those silly spinner things. It helps with anxiety as well as gives me something to focus on.

Remove any items that could replace your finger nails. Keep your nails as short as possible as well as filing them to a soft edge.

Only speaking from my own experience, please draw from every ounce of strength you have.

I like a quote from my T, self-harm is an outward expression of inner pain. It really touched me.

 

[Dying inside]

I've recently started self injuring by digging my fingernails into my wrists and breaking the skin drawi...

Hello, I'm new here & just wanted to let you know that I do the exact same thing. I've been doing it for what seems to be forever. I seem to do it when I'm super anxious or when something triggers me. I have done it in therapy and my T has brought it to my attention but we haven't worked on stopping it just yet. I thought I would have outgrown it by now......but nope still doing it. It seems to be the only thing that helps me sometimes. I know that sounds really weird.