tw : sh
i used to sh once every month because i was too lazy, unmotivated, and tired (because of aftercare) so i just wouldnt. i didnt have an outlet for my emotions and i would just keep it all in me and i ended up doing stupid things like blocking all of my friends because of my overthinking, then unblocking them, then blocking them again. ive went to a new form of sh for when things get too hard or overwhelming to handle, i just burn. not enough that it leaves a scar, but enough to hurt for a bit after. i know this isnt healthy, but im overwhelmed everyday and i use this as my emotional outlet and ive started to do it quite literally everyday, even at school. its better than my old form of sh, which is the most common (i think), which is cutting. nottt sure if i can say that here? im not sure how to let out my feelings in a way that isnt self-sabotaging or sh. any tips?
@muraisntreal
hey, i’m really sorry you’ve been feeling so overwhelmed every day. it sounds like you’ve been holding in a lot of emotions without really having a safe outlet for them, and i can understand why you’d want something that gives you some kind of release.
i do want to gently point out that even though burning may feel “better” or less serious than cutting, it’s still self-harm, especially since it’s started happening every day and even at school. you deserve support with what’s underneath it, rather than having to hurt yourself to get through those feelings.
when things get overwhelming, maybe try giving yourself a different kind of physical/emotional outlet ... writing everything you’re feeling without censoring yourself, scribbling really hard on paper, ripping up paper, squeezing ice/cold water on your hands, listening to loud music, going for a walk, exercising, drawing, or texting someone you trust and simply saying “i’m having a really hard time right now.” sometimes the goal doesn’t have to be to make the feelings disappear, just to get through the strongest part without hurting yourself.
also, blocking/unblocking your friends when you’re overwhelmed doesn’t make you stupid or a bad friend. it sounds more like you’re struggling with a lot of overthinking and intense emotions. that’s something you can work through, especially with the right support.
i’m glad you reached out and asked for ideas instead of keeping all of this to yourself. you deserve an outlet that doesn’t hurt you. take care, you are loved <333
