I was a cutter all through my teens, I almost died. Now I'm 36, and I'm going through another bad bout of it. When does it end? Any adults out there who go through the same ****, maybe a veteran? I honestly thought this was a teenage angst thing, but apparently not.
Has anything happened to make you feel like you need to start cutting again? maybe you should go and speak to your GP and see if you can arrange some counselling?
-hugs-
Hey so im not your age, but my thoughts are anyway that its not a teenage phase. I think its used in response to any kind of emotional pain. And especially because if someone used it as a teen, and if as an adult they may be struggling with something else, its more likely to cross their mind and for them to begin using it again as a coping mechanism. Im not sure if that makes sense.
I think you have to try and work out what the trigger to it is this time and to deal with that trigger because for it to end you need to not need to SH anymore. I think its about building up more resilience and healthier coping mechanisms and to keep learning from it. Figuring out what makes you susceptible and how you can deal with that. Is there anyone you can speak to about this?
Also if you want there is a veteran part of the forum where you might want to post. (I'm not sure how to post the link so if someone can?)
Take care xx
♥ .I'm going to fall like I don't need saving. ♥
...My smile's just the armour I built when I was alone...
There was some part of me that hurt so badly, that I wouldn't ever be able to forget it.
It faded but the memories could bring it back any second, keeping me in the moment.
It would never fully heal. I could never really be free. I could never really be fixed. Now I just have to work out how to live whilst being broken.
I feel like I'm dying.
I am in my late 40s and self harm. Self harmed in my teens never did again till a year ago. I am now finding that older people do self harm. It's not just teens.
Take care
J
This problem affects many ages. I'm 31 and self harm. I find age and how long I've been doing it makes it difficult to stop, but I've been told it is possible to recover. It may just take longer. Are you getting any professional help? It sounds like you managed to stop at some point so I'm sure you'll be able to stop again, but maybe you need some extra support and help in getting there, so perhaps it would be a good idea to see your gp.
I notice you are new to the boards, so I'd like to welcome you. My name is Lorraine. I hope you find posting here helpful.x
Self-harm in all forms can continue into adulthood. It isn't limited to teens. I've been harming in various ways since my teens. I am in my 20's and still struggle with SI, although it's taken on a different form. In fact, I'd venture to say that my SI has been at it's worst since I reached adulthood.
But I believe that recovery is possible.
Last edited by Celticroots : 26-02-2013 at 12:54 AM.
As of today, im a veteran....im in my twenties and i still do it...it actually didnt really get bad until i was an adult...there are a lot of adults who struggle with si.,,
"I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery."- Thomas Jefferson
Honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
"Make it work." -Tim Gunn
well i must be a veteran +++ as im nearly 50! makes no difference, age. i first SH at aged 10 or 11, then again in my 20's, then stopped til last year. and now... i struggle daily. its a coping mechanism that. unfortunately, works perfectly in the short term. but the viscious cycle it brings is so hard to control. have you tried cbt? or some other talking therapy? i know for me, its the bottling things up, that make me SH as eventually i just must let the 'pressure' out somehow.
take care and stay strong. if you can, ride out the SH feelings, as it will peak then not be so strong so the need for you to hurt yourself will get less. distract, even if for the next ten minutes at a time. (sometimes all i can do is 2 mins at a time) its so hard, but you have got this far, and are stronger than you think.
I started again about a month ago and I'm 29. I hadn't been stopped all that long though to be honest. Anytime you wanna chat the pm box is always open.
I started again a few weeks ago after 5 years without it. I am only 21 though, and overall 5 years is not so big. Still feels funny to be past all the teenage angst and still haunted by SI.
I don't know if I'll ever be rid of it, seeing as I was -so- sure I'd beaten it last time.
I'm 28. I SH'd till I was 23 then quit till last December. Luckily I only lapsed a few times and have been SH free for 2 months now :) it's hard when you relapse but you have to figure out the trigger and work it out. It's hard as an adult but you can do it. I just starts remembering the tools from before as a teen and what I did and it helps. Take care and if you need anything just ask.
Is there some meaning to this life?What purpose lies behind the strife?
Whence do we come, where are we bound? These cold questions echo and resound through each day, each lonely night.
We long to find the splendid light that will cast a revelatory beam
upon the meaning of the human dream.
If you ever need anything I am only a message away
There is no age limit with self harm.
Self harm does not just suddenly disappear in adulthood.
It can continue, or it can begin in adulthood, too.
No matter your age, self harm can still exist.
Whether you are 9 years old, or 90 years old, and everything in between and beyond.
You aren't alone.
x
