Back again with age concerns
 

Hi everyone.

I used to be a regular visitor to RYL and I found it supportive, however it must be about a year since I last visited the site. Im not sure why I left RYL and why it has taken me so long to return again but I would just like to say that I am back again and looking to have a greater involvement with RYL.

I think that the main reason for me leaving RYL for so long was my age (im now 26). I am aware that most members of RYL are people in their teens still at school and I was acutely aware of the name of the forum 'veterans' which was for anyone in their twenties upwards if I remember rightly. I found it difficult to relate to people who were so much younger than me (absolutely no offense to anyone) who hadnt some of the experiences adult life brings. I must say though how welcome I have felt here no matter what age people are.

Im pleased to have made the decision to return to RYL to give and recieve support and I hope I havent insulted any of the younger members - that was not my intention at all. Im just trying to say that there is so little support for adult self harmers both on the internet and out in the UK.

My dad is a patron for a young persons self harm charity and they work with people up to the age of 25 and I asked dad how he felt working with an organisation who turned his daughter away because she was one year older the limit. He said he will try and change the age ruling but I honestly dont know how likely that is.

I feel so alone and isolated as an adult self harmer.

Warm wishes to all,

Lydia (also known as Lids or Lidddy!)

Hi :)
Welcome back to RYL!

I totally understand what you mean about age concerns etc.
The best place on here for you actually would be Vets as it is fondly known, as you know there are a lot of young people on here and the Veterans corner is for the more mature members. I understand what you mean about the name but this is actually more alluding to the fact that the forum is for 'Members over 18 or those who have stopped self harming' there for they are Veterans of self harm because they have either given up or are older members, thats what it was originally I believe anyway :)

The only difference really however is that whereas on the general boards you will come across posts about boyfriends/school/bestfriends etc. Then in Vets the conversation is more aimed towards jobs/marriage/long-term parterns and children.
The specific boards- Eating Disorders, Mental Health, Abuse and Bullying and Self Injury are more for everyone so there are actually a lot of boards available and of course the general, fun boards are also for all and theres nothing stopping you using all the others, not all the older members choose to use Vets, some decide to use both some use the other boards.

Im really rambling but basically you're super welcome here whatever you choose to do :)

Take care
Aimee

There are actully alot of people who are not teenagers on the site, there are alot of people who go to uni, that are married and have jobs and kids.

Welcome back =)

Well, as they say, we're all coming after you, nobody will stay young (sadly). :D I have a friend who's 33 and a self-harmer (I'm 21) and I must say age doesn't matter at all. If you ever feel like talking, feel free to PM me any time. Love,

Deena

Hey Lydia! I'm 24 and did wonder myself whether I was a 'bit old' for this forum as others seem to be in their teens. It's good to know there are others :)

Welcome back - hope you get the support that you need here!

I'm 26 and I've thought I'm a bit too old to be here sometimes, so it's nice to know there's more people around that are my age. Welcome back x

hi liddy
im 24 so there sre a lot of us that will be going through similar things in life, jobs/houses etc

feel free to PM me anytime :) xx

Thank you to everyone who replied to me. I feel a bit less alone now x