did i have a breakdown?

Question

A couple of years ago i went through a low time in my life and was self harming i got thought it.

did i have a break down and could it happen again

has anyone else been tough this going though this and want to talk about it

Answer 1

self harm is something that doesnt go away by its self.
i am 20 and have been SH since i was 15. the past yr or so it only happens when am very very low and cant pick myself up. but unfortunatly it still happens.
i have never had help for this or seen any drs about it and maybe thats why i still do it, albeit not regularly, maybe once every 2/3/4/5 months.

id suggest going to see a dr who can refer you to a counciller.

BUT in the mean time, if you have the urge to cut then some tips are putting ice on the area u want to cut, draw on yourself with a red felt tip instead of cutting. punching or hitting a pillow or somethng soft or excersice.

this site will also help you, tho be warned about the message boards, i dunno about u, but they always trigger me to want to cut, even if i wasnt feeling low before.
this is the recovery page of a site called recover your life.

MJ

Answer 2

First off, kudos on making it through that tough time in your life =). especially the fact that you got out of cutting, that can be a very addictive behavior.

Now about the breakdown thing. I personally don't think you had a breakdown in the technical terms. Usually, a break down occurs in a period of extreme stress (not saying that didn't happen to you) but the said person then completely just loses touch with reality basicly. Breakdowns as i see them tend to refer to manic issues, such as breakdown and becoming schizophrenic and stuff. I believe that you were going through a rough period in your life and found a way to cope with it that isn't nesscarily the best way. You might have had a breakdown in the sense that you couldn't stand the way your life was going at the time, and you might have lost your direction for a while, but not a technical breakdown i think. Not that it makes it any less serious.

Now, it is possible that you might relapse into it again, not to worry you but so that you can prep yourself if need be. You should just try to avoid letting your mind wonder on ideas such as "I wish i could go back", or "i wonder how it would feel" and such. Don't entertain any thoughts of that sort. I would suggest getting a counselor, even though you did make it through you might have some loose ends you need to tie up before you will be "completely" safe from it, if that makes sense. Plus, a counselor will help you confront a worrys about that or any new worries about anything, and they can help you understand why you went into selfharm (if you are not sure as of now). Personally, i have found counselors to be very helpful.

Keep in mind, you are not alone with this (w/ either just the self harm or the fact that you made it out but are still worried). I would also second the suggestion of recoveryourlife.com, it's a great site for those in the middle of selfharm and those that made it out that want to help others or keep from going back. I personally have (/am) gone through the same issue, so i know how tough it can be. You need to create a strong confident foundation so you can keep up your winning streak. I hope things work out for you, and if you need to talk or vent or something feel free to contact me. I'll be willing to offer input, or just listen =) anyways, best of luck, and i hope you keep up the way you are going and get better. =)

Answer 3

A period of self harming by itself doesn't sound like a "breakdown" per se. I'd have to know if there were other behaviors involved.
Breakdowns usually include a complete break down of typical behaviors for a person.
Lack of sleep, despaire, manic crying, lack of appetite or over eating to extreme, self injury and/or attempted suicide, irrational and uncontrollable thoughts, unable to go through a daily routine...etc.
Many factors are taken into account before a proper diagnosis can be made.

You really should seek professional advice on this one.

Answer 4

breakdown by who's definition? self harming is "usually" a cry for attention. could it happen again - of course. But why let it? Take care of your body eat drink and sleep. Take care of your brain. Read and make it stronger. Maybe focus more outward for a while. Listening to and Helping others gives self satisfaction.

Answer 5

I'm not sure if you had a breakdown. i was/ am the same way.
i have had many different breakdowns. i would say that self harming to me, isnt a breakdown it got to be like a lifestyle. my breakdowns were when i thought it was abnormal to hurt myself. understand?
you need a friend to tell who will hold you accountable when you start to slip.

i think it could happen again. its possible. i tried to quit and it happened again.
ps. sorry i'm not answering this so perfectly, i'm intoxicated. but i understand compleatly what you are saying.

Answer 6

A BREAKDOWN GENERALLY CONSISTS OF HAVING A BREAK IN REALITY AND NO LONGER BEING ABLE TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN YOUR OWN LIFE, AND ALSO REFERS TO SUICIDAL EPISODES. MOST PEOPLE REQUIRE HOSPITALIZATION DURING A BREAKDOWN.
IF YOU WERE AT ONE TIME CUTTING OR PARTICIPATING IN SOME OTHER FORM OF SELF-HARMING IF YOU DID NOT GET TREATMENT I.E. THERAPY, ODDS ARE AT SOME POINT YOU COULD RELAPSE BACK INTO THAT BEHAVIOR AS YOU HAVE NOT YET DEALT WITH THE UNDERLINING ISSUES. GET SOME PROFESSIONAL HELP AND LOOK INTO JOINING A SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR AREA !
GOOD LUCK,
DODA

Answer 7

I can't say if you had a breakdown or if you just went through a rough time, but either way get some help.

Answer 8

You need someone with more credentials than you will get on this board. Find a counselor of some sort tomorrow.

Answer 9

yes its a type of break down and sure it can happen again.