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kattyteeSenior Contributor
Is it possible to have conversations about self-harm in these forums? I'm not looking to share ideas about it, more ideas for how to handle things after they've occurred But I imagine this would be challenging as a trigger to many people. I don't want to upset the community so please let me know. It's just an issue I deal with and I don't want to be the only one.
In response to: Self-harm
kattyteeSenior Contributor
In response to: Self-harm
Unknown userMember
Hi @kattytee, this is a good question. I've SH'd on and off for 30 years. For about half of those I hid the scars, wearing long sleeves and pants all through the year because I was ashamed of them. At some point I got over that and started wearing short sleeves. Sometimes people asked - kids often asked - I gave answers that I thought the person could handle, so I told the kids that I had an accident, some adults that I self-harmed, most adults that it was none of their business.
In the last 5 years or so the scars have become much more extensive and defiguring, also less recognisable as self-harm so I've started hiding them again - not because I'm ashamed of them but because people find them alarming. I'm aware that for someone who thinks they know me to suddenly see a massively defiguring scar and the meaning of it can be almost traumatising... and it would be selfish of me not to protect them from that. So I'm back to extreme coverings. It's different - better - than before when I covered though. I'm not ashamed, just protecting others 🙂
In response to: Self-harm
R1CK13Contributor
In response to: Self-harm
corliCasual Contributor
I started sh when I was in high school and did it for about four years on and off. And then I stoped, and was clean for a year. Last couple of monthes I started again. This year is terrible and it keeps reminding me about my problems. And it feels like there is no light at the end of the tunel, if you know what I mean. Friends started to ask about my bandages and what happend. I hate lying to them but I just can't tell them, don't know why. I know they would support me, but I guess it bothers me when I need to have a support. I like fixing my problems by myself but I guess am terrible at it. I am really good at listening and giving adviceses to other people, but when it comes to me, it's like I don't even want to get better. What kind of person would not want to get better?
In response to: Re: Self-harm
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
Respect that it takes courage just to admit it.
In response to: Re: Self-harm
corliCasual Contributor
But nothing's changed, like, there is no point to just admit. I will stop, I did it once, I'll do it again, soon. The problem is that this feeling will not go away.
In response to: Self-harm
KurraSenior Contributor
In response to: Self-harm
kattyteeSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Self-harm
corliCasual Contributor
@Kurra I havn't talk to anyone yet about it but I feel like I need to, because it's starting to mess with my head too much. Before I knew how to deal with it, I just shut my feelings off but I don't want to be that person again. I don't like that cold person without feelings. I usually do it when I fail at something or when I feel overwhelming with grief. @kattytee I have great group of freinds and if I tell them I know they would help me right away. But I can't tell my family. My mom died six years ago and it's just me, my sister and my dad. I don't want to be another thing that happened to them, so I would llike to get better for them but without their knowledge. Everything I do, I do it for them. I can't hurt them by not being okay for them.
In response to: Self-harm
kattyteeSenior Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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