4+ years without self harming

[BoardGamer]

A few months ago I hit 4 years without self-harming!! I have struggled with depression for as long as I can remember, and I struggled with self-harm for most of 2020. I don't know the exact day, but the last time I self harmed was sometime in mid November of 2020. It has been really hard at times, but I am very proud of myself for pushing through and reaching over 4 years without self-harming!

[kenster1]

Amazing well done.

[Irishmexi35]

Congratulations and keep up the amazing story thank you for sharing your victories and success story i really appreciate you and wish you further peace happiness blessings and success

[Scarletsunrise]

Congratulations that's amazing?! Great work. 🥳🥳🥳

[Beevee]

Hi Boardgamer. Lovely to hear that you are doing better 😊

I don't know much about self-harming and more to the point, what triggers it?

I suspect it might be attempts to block out, avoid or provide temporary relief from painful emotions exacerbated by the anxiety state [and other symptoms such a depression] but would appreciate knowing your thoughts on this so I have a better understanding.

Obviously, there is no obligation for you to do so.

Best wishes

❤️

[MayDay3 in reply to Beevee]

I've been listening to the audio book "Hello I Want to Die Please Fix Me: Depression in the First Person" By: Anna Mehler Paperny. This book resonates with me and explains my inclination towards self harm better than I could in my own words.

Also "Veronika decides to die" by Paulo Coelho is a good book that explores this.

[Beevee in reply to MayDay3]

Thank you MayDay3 and sincerely hope you are doing well.❤️

[MayDay3 in reply to MayDay3]

I am average today not too terrible. Hope you are doing well too.

[Spud-u-Like1982]

Excellent achievement. Keep up the good work and telling your story to help others' in their journey.

[blimpsgo180]

That's wonderful BoardGamer! Are there any specific strategies that have helped you?

This March, I'm celebrating 1 year sober from alcohol. I just need to remind myself what a better person I am without a drink, and I can keep going.

[BoardGamer in reply to blimpsgo180]

One thing that helped me was talking about it with my family. When I was actively self-harming, I hid it from my family. When I stopped, I told my family what I was struggling with so they could help me. Having a support system that could help distract me when I was struggling and/or remove my means of self-harm was crucial in staying free from self-harm! I also looked up things like "Best ways to avoid self-harming" and followed some advice that was available online. Having a variety of suggestions for things to do was super helpful. Congratulations on 11 months of sobriety!

[blimpsgo180 in reply to BoardGamer]

Cool! Yeah, I have a support system keeping me sober too.

[catsrock]

Congratulations! That's awesome.

[Lolalean]

😍That’s amazing! Behind you!

[PourSomeSugarOnMe]

that is absolutely amazing, well done!!

[bethelbee]

That's awesome!! Congratulations 🎉

[TangledUpIn]

That's fantastic 🫡

[RS1974]

Great job sweetie 🥳😊

[TaurusLady]

Well done for finding your own momentum and strength to see you through these past 4 years. Hope it feels better for you xx