My mum used to file her finger-nails to points, I think so she could try to claw at my face. She hated me & was jealous. She never managed to actually do that but... I suffered in loads of other ways because of other things she did deliberately to hurt me & everything I liked... & she told me I was ugly... so when things all got on top of me, it was like BLAM! in my head, & I couldn't see a solution, so in anger & trustration, I started attacking myself... I've been doing that now for so long, it's become a part of my life to such an extent it stops me from having a proper life... cos of the affects - a bit like Dorian Grey... I've been to my GP who said this didn't come under the NHS, I will have to pay for treatment but I'm broke cos I get a job cos I've ruined my face - well, almost! Please, is there anybody out there who can advise me???? This is making me really, reallyy miserable cos i can't see any end to it...
2007-02-10 02:52:57 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
I am in the UK
2007-02-10 07:10:09 · update #1
You really need professional help. Try another GP.
2007-02-10 02:56:38 · answer #1 · answered by M 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you Google 'self harm' you'll find a lot of organisations which can offer information, advice and support.
The Bristol Crisis Service for Women have a really good helpline, 0117 9251119 (Friday and Saturday evenings from 9pm and Sundays from 6-9pm) - which I understand to be really helpful (if, of course, you're a woman.) They also have a range of booklets you can order which include strategies to help you reduce/end your self harming(whether you're a man or a woman!), if that's what you want to do. Check out their website: http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/bcsw/index.htm for info.
I'd also suggest going to see a different GP, because frankly yours doesn't sound up to much! The NHS treat self harmers all the time! Possibly what your GP is talking about is treatment to restore your appearance, such as plasic surgery - although I think you'd have an argument to get that on the NHS, too - but your first priority is to address the self harming itself, which you should certainly be able to get help with. I'd try a different GP at your practice, as they may be more sympathetic.
Hope this helps. And know that you can do this, and that there are people who can help.
2007-02-10 03:02:39 · answer #2 · answered by Marzipan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The whole thing about self harm is that it is a way of coping. Some people drink, take drugs, gamble, it is another way of coping with the pain. I started when I was 16, mainly on my arms. I haven't cut for a few years now, I began to realise why I did it. I figured out that the reason why I chose this way of coping was because I didn't like myself and that I felt that I needed to punish myself. No one could see my pain, no one could see just by looking at me that I was not right, the cuts were a way to make things visible. If someone has a broken leg, it's visible and people know what's wrong, they know how to help and what to say.
I wish I could say that there was an easy way to fix this. 8 years on and I still struggle. The best way I found to stop is when I felt like cutting, I did something to distract myself. TV, music (happy music), pets, friends, just get out of the situation. Take it 5 minutes at a time. If that didn't work, I would hold some ice on my skin, the point being that there are ways to feel pain without actually harming yourself.
You can get through this, you need to learn that you are not a bad person, that you can be happy but you need help to do that. Find someone who understands you and can support you through this.
2007-02-12 13:05:31 · answer #3 · answered by alliegrander 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have an insensitive GP! I recommend you see another GP because you clearly have psychological problems and need some help. Possibly anti-depressants in the short term and some form of counselling or therapy. A symapthetic GP would prescribe medication and refer you for a psychological assesment (which is available on the NHS). Book an appointment ASAP.
2007-02-10 03:32:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
For all of those who live in the USA who might read this, this is what Universal Health Care will get you!! If you lived in the US, you could go to a free mental health clinic (every city of any size has one) for treatment. Obviously, you need more treatment than any one can offer in this forum. Isn't there any kind of appeal process for treatment where you live? Any psychologists that offer pro bono treatment? There has to be some sort of answer here. The internet, of course, contains a vast wealth of information on just about any subject. You might want to try WebMD to read up on your condition. Or try to find a chat group with other people who have your problem. I suggest you look harder for some solution. Until then, I don't know. Maybe get a picture of your mom blown up and when you get the urge to harm yourself, throw darts at the picture instead. I will say a prayer for you and you might want to say one for yourself too.
2007-02-10 03:22:48 · answer #5 · answered by Knowitall 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You poor, poor girl. I'm so sorry for what you've been through. I was abused myself so I understand something of what self hatred can do to a person.
It seems to me that you need some professional help.
Go and see a different GP and carry on until you find someone willing to take you seriously.
There is a website where you can talk to other self-harmers and abuse victims called www.angelsurvive.com.
You might find it helpful to go there and seek advice.
I wish you all the best.
2007-02-10 10:28:55 · answer #6 · answered by smilla k 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
what rubbish, not being able to get help on nhs. thats not true ur gp prob just trying to save money, insist he refers u to a psychiatrist or report him/her to gmc-general medical council or see a dif gp in the practice if poss or speak to practice manager
sorry to hear u have these probs, u r entitled to the help u need.
I have a slight self harm prob, i use nail clippers to cut the skin around my fingers till they bleed they get so sore but i cant stop.my gp says its stress, but that doesnt help, does it?
2007-02-11 11:29:02 · answer #7 · answered by Miss Karen Roe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn`t have to suffer anymore and it`s a disgrace your gp hasn`t referred you to a proper proffessional that can help you sort yourself and anger out,demand to see someone and failing that go to another gp.
2007-02-10 03:07:19 · answer #8 · answered by onlyme 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Change GP, you need referring to a psychologist.
2007-02-13 07:31:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
for the first steps to self help look here
uncommonforum.com its loads of people in your situation can help each other
good luck
2007-02-10 02:57:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋