Seeking Support and Any Advice

[kdrdff]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site and really new to asking for any help in general. I am writing because I am searching for ideas, support, and help. I was sexually abused when I was 15, am now 25, and became a self-injurer because of it. I cut for about 8 years, stopped for about a year, and now am no longer "sober". I am looking for any advice anyone has. I have recently started meeting with a therapist, but have a lot of trouble discussing the actual abuse. However, my real barrier is the self-injury. It is usually a daily occurance, if not more. I have become more and more frustrated. I feel like I have tried everything: Writing, a hot bath, calling a friend, wearing a rubber-band around my arm, etc. I am open to suggests and help. Thank you for any and all support. I know this is difficult, but I want it bad enough to stop and to continue fighting for my life. Thank you again everyone! May this find you all doing very well!

[Tig]

Hey,

Welcome to RYL :)

I think part of the battle is wanting to stop and it's clear from your post that you do want to stop, so well done. You should also be proud of your efforts to stop self harming by starting to see a therapist and also trying the different techniques.

I too have experienced sexual abuse and as a result, self harmed for a long period of time. I have been lucky in that writing has been helpful for me but also talking to people. Sometimes I do need to rely on medication as well though - I don't know if that is something that would be an option for you or not?

With regards to talking to your therapist, try not to push yourself. If you have only recently started meeting with her then it's understandable you have trouble discussing the abuse. It's a hugely personal issue and you need to feel totally comfortable with the therapist and have a lot of trust placed in them. I'm sure with time though you can get to that point.

This link is for the self harm information package which has loads of information that you might find helpful to have a read through.

If you ever want to chat, feel free to PM me.

Lottie x

[Ihavetobelieve33]

Like Tig said, part of the battle is wanting to stop. I don't know if you have ever doubted your desire to stop, but of you haven't you are blessed. I think that by you joining this RYL community, you are doing a really great thing for your recovery! (: Seeing a therapist can be very helpful. I would suggest maybe a cognitive behavioral therapist because I see one now and she is the best out of any I have had. *safe hugs* as far as SI goes, you are being so strong and brave by continuing to fight for your life and your health and happiness. *massive applause* It won't be easy to stop as you know. My biggest suggestion would be (which you might already be doing) to face the issues and pain as head-on as possible. That way you won't be as prone to gaining more SI habits or other less than ideal coping habits. Best of luck!