Urge to cut

[LoveBear]

How do people handle the urge to cut? I can’t stand it, am so scared

[Colorado2]

It’s very hard it’s like an obsession. So u have to find an obsession on something else like walking or cleaning. I have been honest and open to a few people so it’s like I don’t want to disappoint anyone 😍😍

[LoveBear in reply to Colorado2]

Thanks - I’m scared and embarrassed ... not sure why this is happening to me

[Colorado2 in reply to LoveBear]

I’m scared with u We can do this together I’m always here for u

[Starrlight]

((((((Hug)))))))

[Hidden]

Is it the physical pain you need? If so, maybe flicking a tight rubber band against your skin would satisfy that. What do you think?

[LoveBear in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I will try that. I don’t know what I need I’m so confused I’m stuck, sick to my stomach - it’s been so hard lately

[Hidden in reply to LoveBear]

You're welcome. I'm sorry it's hard right now. This is a suggestion from my therapist to try and determine what makes you want to cut. Do you have a therapist and if so, do they know?

[LoveBear in reply to Hidden]

I told him last week 1 haven’t told him today - there’s nothing he can do - I’m having a hard time I’m tired in my head I know i should meditate take a walk breath - it’s just so hard - I can’t breath

[mvillarreal]

Is it that you need to feel physical pain to deal with emotional pain? If that is the case, there are healthier ways to do this other than cutting. Sometimes, I will bite my lip or scratch my hand with a pencil or something. If you start to act on the urge, I would definitely suggest getting help for this. Also, I wonder what kind of emotions are leading you to feel that way and what the underlying thoughts are behind those emotions. Are you dealing with trauma? Severe anxiety? Depression? Also, I wonder, is this an actual urge, or is it more like an OCD compulsion-like you're so scared of self-harming that you think you will self-harm? If that's the case, you have little to worry about, and it's very unlikely that you would actually self-harm.

[LoveBear in reply to mvillarreal]

Anxiety major depression anger frustration all mixed up

[mvillarreal in reply to LoveBear]

Is there anything triggering it in particular? Like relationship issues? School? Work? Family?

[LoveBear in reply to mvillarreal]

Definitely better - I think it’s my overall situation I hate having depression - hate it! The frustration gets to me

[sunandbutterfly]

Sorry to hear of the pain that you are feeling. I am so glad that you have sought the help of a therapist. Don't be afraid to contact your therapist in times of crisis. Also, know that you are not alone in this. Have you tried painting/journaling, exercising, or another hobby when you have this urge?

Have you ever heard of To write love on her arms? They have some great resources and would be glad to point you to others.

[LoveBear in reply to sunandbutterfly]

Thanks - last few days have been ok. Took a hike today which was quite nice