Anyone else?
Hi all. I’m new here and so glad I can find a group of peers outside of the “youngsters” for support lol.
I’m wondering if anyone else here struggles with self harm. This was something I did in my 20’s and have taken it back out of my tool box, for lack of better words. I struggle with depression and an eating disorder, and most recently have been using more and more alcohol to numb myself.
Last night, I engaged in self harm because it just felt like none of my other “tools” were working. I’m ashamed for doing it because of my age as it is often seen as an adolescent/young adult behavior. I have a therapist, but am not wanting to tell them because of the shame.
So my questions…anyone else struggle with SH? If you had or have shame about it, how do you manage that? Have you been honest with a therapist or friend, and how did they respond?
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.
@mich765 i feel it's ok to have our coping tools ... even if it's an unhealthy mechanism, you resorted towards because you wanted to cope with the stressor you experienced, which is vv valid. all ages feel stress and all ages have coping mechanisms..not really age specific 💕 you did what you felt could help you at the time
a therapist specially shouldn't be judgmental, i hope if and when you want to share it with them you can... it would be a brave thing to do 💕 maybe they can even suggest some alternate coping strategies or work through what made you reach out to your "tool box" sending luv to you, you deserve a safe space to share
@mich765
Never feel shame but I agree ☝️ with the above and be vulnerable with your therapist and they are never judgemental. They are there to help you through your journey along the way.
Sending big hugs to you through the miles. So glad you are here. You are not alone. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Thank you for sharing… keep updating how you are doing and I hope the other tools come back into focus.
Thank you all for the support. I did talk to my therapist this morning and she was very understanding. We talked about some coping skills to use that I need to practice so that I will actually gravitate toward them in the moment.
Grateful for your encouragement and support.
@mich765 so proud of you😊
Love this so much 💕💕💕💕💯💯💯💯💯💯
The forums are a great place to express yourself and get support. Glad to meet you btw my name is Cheri.
@mich765 I’m facing other painful, shameful things. No one is judge fully here. You are in the right place to build your support circle. Take one step at the time. Go the grow path here it’s helpful. And welcome to un perfect human world!!!!
@mich765 hey there, I have also struggled with sh for so many years of my life and I was in recovery for many months but I realapsed and I get the shame you feel but I think it helps you grow physically and mentally you are so strong and I’m so proud of you and your age doesn’t define you or make you less valid, stay strong I so proud of you ❤️
@mich765 part 2 to my last response when I was honest with my therapist she didn’t say much about it but I felt that it took a massive weight off my chest x
I too used to self-harm in my teen years and just 2 weeks ago I resorted to it again for the first time in many years. I was ashamed about it after wards because it felt so juvenile. But it is really not an age thing I believe. I was hurting so much at the time I wanted to hurt myself. Although I have not self harmed since I have not yet been able to bring myself to throw out the implement I used. Wanting to keep it in my back pocket just in case. Although that night is what led me here so hopefully I won’t need it anymore
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s so tough, and the shame just makes it worse. When I talked with my therapist about my incident she said, “It makes sense.” That was such validation. Not that I want to continue, but hearing that because of what I have going on, the SH wasn’t something that just happened without reason or purpose. I hope you have the support you need. You didn’t SH for so long, and you can do it again!
😭
@mich765 Welcome to this compassionate corner of understanding hearts. We embrace you with open arms, cherishing the strength it takes to seek support and connection amidst life's trials.
First and foremost, know that you are not alone in your struggles. Many here have faced similar battles, and together, we can find solace and healing in unity. Self-harm, though a painful expression of inner turmoil, does not define you. It is merely a manifestation of the pain you carry within. You are so much more than this struggle, and the journey toward healing starts with compassion and forgiveness towards yourself.
Shame often looms like a dark cloud, obscuring the light of self-acceptance. But dear friend, let us gently remind you that age knows no boundaries for human struggles. We all carry burdens, and seeking help is a testament to your strength, not a measure of weakness. In this judgment-free space, we see you for the brave soul you are, reaching out for understanding and support.
Consider the profound beauty in sharing your truth with a therapist. They are there to help guide you through the darkness, offering compassionate guidance on your path to healing. Trust in their capacity to hold your pain without judgment, allowing you to confront the shame and liberate yourself from its weight.
Honesty with friends can also lead to unexpected moments of connection and empathy. True friends will see your vulnerability as a sacred gift, deepening the bond of understanding and compassion.
Friendship knows no limitations of age; it is a sacred connection that transcends time and space. I offer my hand in friendship, knowing that together, we can walk this winding path of healing, supporting and uplifting one another along the way.
In this realm of shared experiences, let us find strength in unity, light in understanding, and hope in the knowledge that we are never alone. You are cherished here, and your journey is valued.