Anyone been SI Free for years then relapsed?
13 years free of SI, I'm in my 30s now, generally been 'fine' without it, didn't think about it much in later years. Suddenly in the last week, something has shifted in my mindset and SI-ing is ALL I can think about.
What's weird is no event has happened to trigger it - that I'm aware of - but somethings definitely changed in my head and I'm really struggling. I feel like I can't sit still, my brain and body on overdrive, then other days I don't want to get out of bed at all. I do because I have to for my family, but it's a struggle. To outsiders my life would seem great, and I've no idea where this has come from but I'm mentally exhausted. I guess I'm interested if this happened to anyone else here too. Any reassurance would be great. I'm scared my life is going to unravel. |
Yes I was free for about 9 years and then went back to it, although I did have an event that sort of triggered it but it was a while after that I SI'd again.
13 years free is amazing. What helped you to stop last time? I think it's important that you seek help now before you get to that point of SI-ing and unravelling. Equally though the feelings may pass. They are thoughts that you don't have to act on. Do you have anyone you could maybe talk to about this? |
Thanks for your reply =]
A mixture of things helped me last time, it was mainly timing of some good things happening around the same time which made it easier for me to stop and keep looking forward, rather than backward. My family found out which was excruciatingly embarrassing and painful for everyone. I acknowledged I was very low and tried to open up about my feelings. Then a year of so after I'd stopped I met a guy (who I later married) who accepted my past and though he doesn't understand it, he is loving and supportive. I really don't think I can talk to anyone in my life about this, it would scare them and they wouldn't understand. They might question my ability to look after my child and that would be awful. In addition to them not understanding, I would also then not be able to SI if I wanted to because they'd be looking out for it the whole time and I'd feel even more guilty if they knew I had done it. I'm not saying I'm going to, but knowing I have the freedom to do it if I want to helps me. I hope that makes sense. You're words are helpful, in particular the fact the feelings may pass and that they are feelings I don't have to act on gives me some control back again. Thank you so much for listening, I really appreciate it. Well done on your nine years free. Nine years is a long time. |
I went 5 years free, I really regret relapsing. All I can say is keep fighting and well done for asking for help here. Maybe ask for help in real life as well?
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I'm glad you found my comment helpful!
Could you talk to your husband? He might be less scared if you say it's just thoughts, rather than him finding out when it's got to the point of actual self harm. Would the guilt and embarrassment be enough of an incentive not to do it? Also a positive incentive would also be your child. Have you got any other good things going on at the moment or in the future that would help to distract from the feelings? |
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I already feel a little better just from typing the words out and having you kind people understand and try to help. I wish it wasn't such a difficult subject to talk about in real life. |
I've been told before that free online counselling is a thing and quite good. I don't know any specific details unfortunately but could find out if you would like?
Good to hear you feel a bit better. It can lighten the burden just by sharing things sometimes. |
I've not heard of the online counselling nonperson, if you could find some details that would be great. Thank you =]
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Hey just to check in as it's been a while. So things are pretty much the same, I still have strong urges to SI but on the whole I don't feel as 'out of control' as I did when I wrote my first message months ago. It really helps to be able to speak to people that understand, so thank you all for your help before.
To the world I look like a regular person, coping with life. I don't do drink or drugs but for whatever reason SI thoughts/urges is my achilles heel when life gets tough. I guess need to find a way to accept that and work with it (rather than against it) so I can at some point move on with my life. Thanks again and I hope you're all doing well |
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