What am I doing? *triggering, I guess*

[Sefka]

What am I doing?
I think I'm getting the cutting under control. I count in weeks now, rather than days. Almost up to counting in months.
But this evening I started biting my hands and forearms really hard. I'm not sure why. And I remember the first time I started cutting and I didn't know why I was doing that either. I had some counselling and sort of got my head around it and understood it, but this I just don't get. Is this normal? Replacing one form of SI with another? And biting wtf?!?! I feel like an animal. But I'm still doing it and I still want to do it.
Anyone else had this?

[Streets]

Hi.

Well done on not cutting for so long!!

Yeah, I can kinda relate. I smoke now instead. Weird, I know. Hmmm....how're you feeling? Something bothering you at the moment?

Take care xx

[Sefka]

Yeah, there's one thing I can put my finger on which is the reappearence of an ex in my life which has just sent me on a bit of a downward spiral.

I'm just a bit worried and confused because what kind of normal human being starts biting into their arm and is it a good thing because it's not cutting or is it just further proof that I've lost it completely?

[wildly insane]

self harming manifests itself in various ways and I would say this is one of them. well done on not cutting for so long that is really excellent and if you apply the same thought processes to not biting as you do to not cutting it might help, do keep an eye on it so you can realise if it's getting worse and don't let your ex send you down, he/she is definitely not worth it, easier said than done though, I know. take care and look after yourself, Hannah

[crazykat]

First of all well done on not cutting in awhile, you should be proud of yourself. It is actually quite common when you stop one method of self-harm that you move on to another method. The trick is to find a more positive coping mechanism but that takes work and a bit of trial and error but you can get through this. *hugs*

[Sefka]

Thanks :) It's really reassuring to hear that it's normal to find other ways, albeit strange ones, of coping with stuff. I've not been in contact with my ex for a few days and luckily I've now got some good friends around me to talk to. Still biting but not cutting and also started going swimming every day which is a fantastic stress relief and obviously a lot healthier. Fingers crossed... And thanks again for the replies.

[finding.my.wings]

hey yeah i can relate i started along similar lines but WELLDONE on not cutting for so long. As crazykat said you've gotta find a more safer positive coping mechanism. i know that its really hard but you can do it.

[crazykat]

Well done for trying to do some more positive things to reduce the stress such as going swimming and talking to friends. Keep going, bit by bit you will get there