Help quitting sh

[autumn68]

i've been in recovery for the last few weeks and one of the biggest things i'm struggling with is quitting self harm. i guess part of the reason is i don't understand why i need to? like it isn't doing tangible damage to me or my loved ones, it's just uncomfortable for others to look at. i'm aware there are some risks but i don't think of them as any different than eating an unhealthy meal or something. i guess i just wanted to ask for some input from people who quit on why they did and how, because it feels impossible right now. i haven't relapsed yet but i snagged a sharp and i'm basically waiting to after this weekend when i don't have commitments.

 

[Jadeith]

like it isn't doing tangible damage to me or my loved ones

It does. And it's far more serious than unhealthy snack now and then - here's your warning sign:

it feels impossible right now

It's an addiction, not just some "scrapes" here and there that might look unpleasant to others. It might not take too much toll on your body (infections and shit still possible tho) but like any other addiction, it takes a lot form your mental health, even if you don't see it this way atm.
And yes, it also harms your loved ones and not because your barcode or whatever is disgusting to watch. It's because they feel helpless and inadequate. They know you suffer and they can't do shit to ease your suffering. And believe me, that's quite a torment to the ones who care about you.

i haven't relapsed yet

And stay that way, pretty please?

 

[Eriktf]

good for you

yes its uncomfortable for others to look at, my sister did cut a lot it was not something i liked to see.

hope you dont start again. good luck

 

[Manaaja]

Think about it this way. If you found out that everyone else self-harms, would you think "whatever" or would you be worried? Well, to others you are part of everyone else.

 

[EmptyBottle]

Think about it this way. If you found out that everyone else self-harms, would you think "whatever" or would you be worried? Well, to others you are part of everyone else.

It's quite interesting how me and other users are concerned over each other more than ourselves... At some points around 2022/2024, I wasn't concerned if I kept existing or not (preferring non existence even)... yet when I read about similar stuff from others, I felt quite concerned.

(BTW, I'm feeling better than those times now)