Addicted to self-harm
Over this past year I've developed this horrible addiction to self-harm and I can't seem to stop. I don't cut, I instead punch myself, which is both a good and a bad thing. The good part is that it's harder to cause significant damage that leaves scars than it is with cutting. The bad part is that it's much easier to do and therefore harder to shake off. Every time I get angry, sad or frustrated I punch myself as hard I can and I usually end up doing it for hours on end. My body is covered with bruises and I realise that I need to stop, but I don't even know where to begin with that. I have no one I trust to reach out to and seeing a therapist is not posible for me in this point in time.
@CurWilliam
If you haven't yet found the self-harm related group chat or the self-help guide on the subject in the guides on path menu I suggest checking them out. A new forum sub-community is coming out later this month on self harm and one on mindfulness. The mindfulness audio in the path menu too may be some help easing the anxiety or whatever it is that triggers your impulse to self-harm. I've also heard things like replacement methods can help like using an elastic around wrist to snap instead of doing the other more harmful habits. Some people draw on themselves something like a butterfly with coloured markers to remind themselves to do something more creative instead so they can turn negative energy into positive creative energy.
@CurWilliam
I hope you are doing better and the resources Coin provided are helping! I just wanted to stop by and let you know that you are on the right path! I know it will be hard but you sound like a fighter to me! Keep going hon, you got this!!!
I definitely suggest the forums Coin mentioned. Also to go off of what he said, I once used replacement strategies to help me stop self-harming and they were helpful. You will find the strength to get through this. Be strong!