[ranae1221]

Hi Tanya,

I also have "self harmed" since I was young, started at 12. As weird as it sounds, it has kept me alive so for. When I turned 21, I began to drink as a way to "numb" myself, however quickly realized that it could become a serious problem, and since I grew up with up with a dad who is alcoholic I knew I didn't want this in my life, so I was able to stop before it really became out of control. Altough I still do hurt myself, it is not like it was years ago. My depression (although bad recently because of major changes in life) was better and I was able to function better in life.

In my expeirence, the only way you can really stop hurting yourself- either from drinking, cutting, burning, etc- is to learn better ways to cope. You learned at a very young age that physcial pain could stop the pain inside, numb those overwhelming feelings. And while it was good for a time- it kept you alive during some really tough times when you likely wanted to end your life- it is no longer working.

What are you doing to help yourself? Are you in treatment for depression? Seeing a counselor? When I finally agreed to be in therapy and found a therapist I liked and was comfortable with, I was able to learn better coping skills. Medication has also made a huge difference with the depression/mood swings. Granted like I said I haven't totally stopped the self harming, but it is no longer the first thing I turn to when life becomes overwhelming.

Take care!!