Damage limitation
Question
I have been cutting myself for some time now but it's started to get out of control. I recently had a really scary experience and I couldn't stop, I just didn't have any control over what I was doing.
In the end I had to go to a friend for help, even though I hate talking about my feelings. She told me I had to get professional help, but where from?
Answer
It sounds like you've been having a really tough time recently and you've taken a brave step in contacting askTheSite. Often people find it difficult to ask for help and it must be especially hard for you, as you hate talking about your feelings.
Self-harm affects many people, and can understandably be very distressing. Reasons for self-harming can vary from person to person, but you might find it helpful to consider the underlying reasons for your cutting. Many people self-harm to deal with negative feelings or emotional distress, and for some people, it can be a way of surviving. There might be specific things that are worrying or upsetting you, like school or relationships. Often people use self-harm to block out painful experiences or feelings of depression. The causes are different for different people but identifying them can be a step towards getting some help.
It can be really difficult to talk about painful feelings but people can find it helpful to share their thoughts with close and trusted friends or family. As you say, you did recently tell your friend when you were out of control. Now you have taken this first step, you might find it easier to talk to her again if you are having problems or the temptation to self-harm is there.
Understandably, you may find this too hard or may not feel ready to talk to someone close to you at the moment. But there are organisations specialising in confidential support in this area. The National Self-Harm Network provides support to people who self-harm and the Bristol Crisis Centre for Women have a national self-harm helpline you can call on 0117 925 1119. Or you might want to consider talking to a counsellor or therapist to help you to work through your issues. In addition there are several professional services around the country specialising in treating self-harm, these are generally accessed through a referral from a local doctor (GP).
Finally, although this might seem an extreme suggestion, you may want to bear in mind that you can go to accident and emergency at a hospital, particularly if you harm yourself in a way you think might be potentially dangerous again.
Updated: 23/12/2008
Question answered by SANE
