Triggering (SI) - Can you ever really get better?

[Katy]

Its something ive been wondering for a while, as i dont really SI much anymore, but I realised that the sight of cuts or blood is REALLY triggering, and even though i can mostly resist, its still hard. Its like an addiction, so is it ever possible to fully recover and not be tempted? Because i want to be able to see someone else bleeding and not feel the need to hurt myself, but i just dont know if its possible. I suppose if you have a drug or alcohol addiction, or like annorexia its something that never really goes away, its always in the back of your mind, your always gonna struggle with it, so is this the same kind of thing? What do people think? (and does anyone else find its much worse when your drunk?)

[Katy]

Good point, its just a bit of a depressing thought that I might still be thinking about it when im 50 lol

[Fitzwilliam]

I'm kinda in the same boat Katy. I haven't hurt myself for a while now but although I try to think I'm better it's still there, right in front of me. And it is quite depressing/scary thinking you could still be wanting to do it in when you're 50. I want think I will recover properly, but I dunno if I can.
But there is hope, maybe we can defeat it, and one day it'll just bring back memories? I dunno....=/ Good question though.

[Katiee]

I think the temptation will always be there - maybe not we don't know that. But in time you'll learn to cope with triggering things and it'll get easier. Take care. xo.

[sobriquet]

The temptation will always be there but you will notice it and have to fight it less and less. The thought might cross your mind but (for me) it's not as a really serious viable option. That's not to say I have never felt weak since I quit, but only 2 or 3 times in the last year (been 21 months since I last SHed) which is much less than the year before. The weak times get easier to get through and they get fewer and farther between. It does get easier.