Maybe you only harm yourself when things are really bad, maybe you're just trying it for the first time, or maybe you've escalated to the point where your life is in danger. No matter what kind of injury you inflict on yourself, there's a problem that needs to be admitted. It doesn't make you a bad person. You're just not handling things in a healthy way, and you owe it to yourself to get help.
Those who self-injure do it for different reasons.
- Some people are experiencing intense emotional pain and hurt themselves for release.
- Some people feel numb and self-injury allows them to feel something.
- Some people feel like their life is out of control and they want to feel like they are in control of something.
- Some people just don't know what else to do to cope with what's going on in their life.
Whatever the reason, it's important to find something else you can do to get the same emotional payoff that self-injury provides.
Before things get any more dangerous, you must learn how to truly let go.
□Let go of the absolute need to be in control.
□Let go so the true issues can surface.
□Let go so the people who love you can help you out of the darkness.
□Most of all, let go so that you can be free to actually live your life. Do it now so you don't bury your problems so deep that you lose your perspective.
Self-injury can cause medical complications, isolate you from friends and family, and cause feelings of guilt. Please look over our list of
99 coping skills you can do instead of harming yourself. Using the 15 Minute Rule might be a way to help
control your urges, or create a
safety plan to help you get through difficult times.
You've already taken one very courageous step by admitting that you have a problem. Don't be afraid to take this a step further and actually get help. Take all the support you can get and don't be ashamed. Get help from friends, family, our hotline, or professionals. Remember that most of the problems that you have now won't last forever. This is going to take courage, commitment, and time, but the reward is having the opportunity to become the person you deserve to be.
Make it one day. Then get up and try to make it again. You deserve a chance at a better life.