im self harming at 23. please help?

Question

about 4 weeks ago i started to self harm i started to scratch myself but now it is turning to im cutting myself deeper.
is it normal for a 23 year old to self harm...

Answer 1

Well, we all go through self harm at some point in our lives if we are under stress, whether it is by cutting, food obsession, self hatred. Normal is just a word, but you must talk to someone before this starts to become a need. Obviously something has changed in the last few weeks of your life that isnt good or you wouldnt be doing this. Please talk to someone, this is a serious time in your life where you need to analyse what it is that is bothering you, there might be nothing that has changed significantly but may be deep routed, in that case you would nee professional help. Good luck I am thinking of you.

Answer 2

Self harm is nearly always a way of trying to resolve another, underlying problem. You need to find out what the underlying problem is and how best to change things.
Your GP may have access to a counsellor in the surgery, or there may be a free counselling service near where you live. If you can afford it you can make an appointment to see a counsellor privately.
The British Association for Counselling website (www.bacp.co.uk) has a facility where you can search for a counsellor in your area. Don't be afraid to call several counsellors until you find one you feel comfortable with. Then go for a one off session to see whether you feel this is the right counsellor for you, and decide together on a numbver of sessions and your possible goals.

Answer 3

Well, I`m 27 and self harm. No, it`s not "normal" (what is?), but it`s not unusual, either.People of all ages self injure (men do it, too)-it`s not just the sterotypical teenage girls; though that is the most common age for it to start. Like eating disorders, the age people develop these problems has been gradually getting higher. No-ones too sure why, but it is the case.
Did anything major happen that first triggered you to Self harm four weeks ago?
Has it helped at all?
www.users.zetnet.co.uk/BCSW is a link to a great site. The Bristol crisis centre for women is there to give emotional support / advice to women all over the UK (particularly those who self harm). I really hope you check them out, they`re REALLY good. Take care of yourself

Answer 4

Totally agree with other posts, you need to go and see your GP urgently for a referral - that way you can get into counselling or therapy much more easily and there's much more support available, not to mention the practical issue of getting your existing wounds checked and properly dressed so they don't get infected.

In the meantime if you're thinking about harming yourself, call someone who'll listen without judging - the Samaritans helpline is a good one because you don't need to worry about anyone you know APART FROM YOUR GP finding out until you're ready to tell them. Talking it through at the time you think about it may help you to work out what's pushing your buttons, so to speak, and the chance to vent without worrying about hurting someone's feelings might relieve the tension enough for you to cope with it.

Another thing you could try is having more light around you, be it a brighter bulb or an extra lamp. A lot of people, me included, get depressed as winter draws in and there's less daylight and this might be adding a bit to your problems.

Although it cannot replace seeing your GP there is also a lot of useful information and advice at the Depression Alliance website www.depressionalliance.org including numbers to call.

Answer 5

1st You are obviously a rational thinking person even though you do this. How can I say this? Because you recognize that you have a problem and you are seeking help for it. Your condition is no different than a broken leg. You know it's a problem and you go to get it taken care of. 2nd Being this rational thinking person you must also realize that when you do this the initial problem is still there! So now you have two problems... That is where you need to change this. You must tell yourself this. (No matter what happens in life, hurting myself won't change it.) 3rd Find some one you can call 24-7. If you have a problem and then you want to hurt yourself, call that person. Talk to that person and realize hurting yourself won't help. Then go deal with the problem and get through it. :O) Jerry

Answer 6

well you can answer that yourself Hun, you know its not a activity that someone with no issues does. I hate the word "normal" as we are all out there in the realms of normality somewhere, just becasue you do something like this does not make you "abnormal" which is what the word "normal" suggests when used in this context.
Self-harm is a way of dealing with very strong emotions. For some people it gives the relief that crying may provide for the rest of us. Some self-harming people feel so angry and aggressive they can't control their emotions. They become afraid that they may hurt someone, so they turn their aggression inwards to get relief. Sometimes its just that they dont know what else to do and believe its the only way to communicate with others as to how they are really feeling.There is a myth that says the severity of a persons self harm is decided on the basis of how bad their problem is .This is not true, what happens is, as time passes, the person who is self-harming becomes more accustomed to the pain they inflict on themselves and so has harm themselves more severely to get the same level of relief.
so Hun go and talk to someone about how you are feeling and what is making you do this to yourself ok. I have listed some ideas below to how you can help yourself a bit until you get the help you need ok.
1.Stop and try to work out what would have to change to make you no longer feel like hurting yourself
2.Count down from ten (nine, eight, seven)
3.Point out five things, one for each sense, in your surroundings to bring your attention on to the present
4.Breathe slowly - in through the nose and out through the mouth
If you still feel like cutting, try:

5.Marking yourself with a red water-soluble felt-tip pen instead of cutting
6.A punch bag to vent the anger and frustration
7.Plunging your hands into a bowl of ice cubes (not for too long, though)
8.Rubbing ice where you'd otherwise cut yourself. Hope this help and please get some help its out there for you ok you just have to ask.

Answer 7

Anyone at any age can self harm! But it is not say in any circimstances that it is normal! It is a way in which we think takes our mind of our problems fears and loneliness! But the reality is that no matter how much we cut ourselves these issues are always there and always will be if we dont face them and deal with them!
There is obviously something thats happened or is happening in your life, whether you realise it or not, that gives you reason to do this! Get in touch with a friend or family member and have a good talk!
You will realise, actually I think you already have, that this is not the best coping method! If you dont feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member get in touch withthe doctor who will then put you in touch with a cousellor!
If you need a chat my email is [e-mail]

Answer 8

I belong to a forum called the National Self Harm Network. It's a registered charity and it at least helps me realise I'm not alone in this. I recommend that you at least give it a try. It's run by volunteers (who don't self harm) but are qualified to offer support and advice and is a registered charity. I'd also recommend that you see your GP though. I went to mine a while back and she was very understanding. I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 9

First off, ignore the ignorant answers that some of the people are posting. You are reaching out for help - whether it be here or on a crisis line. You are hurting inside and are having issues.

My best advice to you is to go to your nearest Emergency Room and request to see a Crisis Worker. Taking this road will get you the help that you need much quicker than what going to your G.P. will be able to get for you.

Please, get help now while you are still able too. If you have gone from scratching to cutting in just a matter of four weeks, don't wait until tomorrow to get help. Do it now!

God Bless. You are in our prayers.

Answer 10

hey there, i understand that not everyone wants to rush off to the doctor when they self harm. the last thing you want is a doctor telling you you are depressed and just prescribing more anti-deps. one quesiton i would ask is WHY are you self harming? what is it in response to? i used to self harm up to about 23/24 and used it purely as a coping mechanism for panic attacks. and it helped me. i didnt need a doctor to tell me it was bad etc. i knew it wasnt normal. but i knew my limits too - i.e i didnt cut too deep. just try and work out the underlying reasons for your self harm and then discuss that with your doctor, with or without mentioning the self harm - whatever is comfortable for you.