Confused mentions s/harm

[HildaOgden]

I've been on the waiting list for DBT for 12 months.
I've been told I'm now 1st on the waiting list and to expect an initial appt in next 4 weeks.

I'm not sure if I want to give self harm up

I'm also starting a new job on Monday next week. I wonder if I should just be accepting that self harm will always be a part of my life (what my old psychoanalytical psychotherapist said to me two years ago) or if I can really be rid of it.

I'm a bit confused. I think I will give DBT a go but I'm not sure if I even want to give self harm up. It's been part of my life for so long... 15 years that I'm not sure I can give it up.

Help!!!

I had these feeling wen u started Dbt
Cud you write a pros n cons list of stopping self harming
It's hard work stopping I have to use my skills everyday but it's helping u will get slot of support from ur therapist via text n phone between appointments so use them as much as possible

Good luck u can do it

[Cryptic.]

Honestly, you are quite lucky if you do manage to get accepted for a course of DBT, I myself am now on a waiting list and it can take a very long time to get it, some are rejected, like myself in the past, and a lot of people are desperate for it and are unable to access it, and it is a very good therapy, used for all sorts, at least have a go at it, self harm doesn't always have to be in your life, it is possible to be without it.

[HildaOgden]

I do know I'm lucky to be in this position of being offered DBT. I've had to fight for it and as such I will go ahead with it.
I'm was just wavering cos I was doing so much better.
How quickly things change :(

[Zurg]

I think it's actually pretty normal to feel the way you do right now. I know that when i quit drinking, and also when i quit smoking, those were major coping mechanisms to me and i felt reluctant to give them up even though everyone was promising me that my life would be so much better when i did. I am always scared and doubtful when i have to leave something behind me and i always question whether it is actually neccessary.

I haven't given up self harm myself yet but i imagine i might some day. And i am sure i'll feel the same way you are feeling now. Starting a new chapter of your life is always scary and you always have doubts and start second guessing your decision.

But those people who told me my life would be better without fags and booze, well they were right. So while this is scary it might actually be one of the best things you'll ever do.

Good luck!!!!

[HildaOgden]

It's hard when it's been a crutch for so long, to stop doing it.
I understand about learning new skills.. I hope that will help.
I don't self harm that often anymore.. but when I do I require treatment at A&E. It'd be good to lessen the severity at least.
I'm having urges tonight & I know it's because I'm starting work on Monday and I'm panicking about it. I feel stupid for having the urges. Starting work should be a positive thing.

[HildaOgden]

Thanks for that Auror x

You can't phone the therapist with the 23 hour rule as they don't want to reinforce the behaviour