Bulletin Board Post

Addiction

I Carry A Blade

<div class="ExternalClass97DF8A02B7264A498B355B2BD83BB28B">Is it bad that I carry around a blade? Like... I don’t carry it around so I can cut, even though that’s what it was intended for. I carry it around because it calms me down. It calms me knowing that I can cut when I want to, but I know I won’t. I don't want to cut. I haven't cut in over a month. But, it still calms me that I have my little “tool” around. </div>

<div class="ExternalClassA13DA12827CF41E9AE4F6F960F6F7A9C">While carrying the blade around with you offers you comfort, it also offers the ability to cut. It is sort of like straddling a fence, one foot on one side, the other foot on the other side. There is not shame or finger pointing here, let's just look at this from a perspective of clarity. From the way you are describing things, you have come a long ways in recovery. Celebrate this. Maybe the reason you are having a hard time breaking up with your blade is that you have not established any coping skills to take its place. We have some ideas that might help: <a href="/Pages/Self-Injury-Learning-To-Ride-The-Wave.aspx?Topic=Self-Injury">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/Self-Injury-Learning-To-Ride-The-Wave.aspx?Topic=Self-Injury</a> Many people will carry a smooth stone, a fidget spinner or another object because they feel less anxious when they have something in their hands. Something like this could be a substitute for your blade. Try this a little at a time. First keep the blade off of your person, then keep it put away in a closet and then finally dispose of it. When you miss the blade, pull out your replacement object, that way you can get used to connecting to something else for that sense of comfort. Gradually, you will let go of the need for the blade all together. Keep working at this and let us know if you need help. Stay brave,Sincerely,Larry – Counselor </div>

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