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28-03-2016 08:07 PM
28-03-2016 08:07 PM
self harm
hi, seeking some guidance...
i have been a self harmer for about 17yrs on and off. Its been a couple of years since last time. im having urge to do it again, memories of past trauma have been haunting me, i have so much energy in me that i meed to release, but at the same time i dont want to feel anything. the feeling of self harm is tempting because then i can feel the pain. its contradicting, but not sure what to do next, because i want the space to acknowledge some of my past but i dont want to get stuck, so much energy. thanks
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28-03-2016 08:28 PM
28-03-2016 08:28 PM
Re: self harm
Hi @tige
Welcome to the forums, I'm glad you are here, I can understand exactly what your mean about feeling the pain, its how i get too. Resisting is really difficult but you have worked really hard to keep from doing it for so long. If you have a lot of energy would it help to go for a walk/run or do something else physical (mow the lawns/mop the floors) when the urge is strongest? Or other distractions like using ice cubes on your skin or flicking a rubber band.
I can also understand about not wanting to become stuck. past truama's somehow have a way of overhwlming me and taking over. I've been working on building strategies to learn better ways to cope with the ptsd or cptsd that i have but lately im not sure i've come so far at all, but other days, i know that I've got a lot more strategies for coping than i have had before.
LJ
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28-03-2016 09:29 PM
28-03-2016 09:29 PM
Re: self harm
Hi @tige
Such awareness!
You are demonstrating insight, showing awareness of the shifting emotions and implementing a delay before acting. Just stop and reveal in that for a moment...
Previously how have you managed when things have become rocky? Do you know what works for you during stormy times?
I guess if you haven't already this would be a perfect time to engage with supports.
1. You are being triggered by past trauma, good time to look at what's causing this and a space to explore emotions
2. You are looking for ways to change old behaviours, a good time to ask for help as you practice new behaviours rather than reverting to past behaviours
3. You are experiencing a range of intense emotions that are difficult to sit with, a good time to explore other strategies to manage emotions as @Former-Member mentioned that may work
Best wishes
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30-03-2016 01:08 PM
30-03-2016 01:08 PM
Re: self harm
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30-03-2016 06:23 PM
30-03-2016 06:23 PM
Re: self harm
Hello @tige
I associate SH urges with surges of energy too. After a while I heard the words overwhelmed and it helped to be able to say that I was overwhelmed. It has helped to find words for my experiences.
Have you had any success directing your energy into other actions?
Take care.