How Do I Talk About My Selfharm?
In about two weeks, Id officially be a selfharmer for an entire year, and its not a title i hold with honor. ive tried quitting, but its genuinely really difficult.
i want to tell people about it. my mom needs to know so she can take me to a psychiatrist which shes been avoiding doing because she thinks im just sensitive. my doctor needs to know because hes making me take antidepressants because they help with my chronic migraines, but theyre making my suicidal ideation and self harm urges increase. my therapist needs to know because i seriously need someone to talk to about this.
but every time i try to talk it feels as if the words are stuck in my throat. i tried practising, i tried thinking of how much good it would do for me, but its pretty much failed, and every single time i fail, i end up angry at myself.
what can i do? how can i talk to people about this?
@notjoanne you know, I'm really proud of you for wanting to reach out for help. Self harm is a difficult thing to overcome, you're definitely not alone in that.
Do you think writing it out might help? If you're feeling like you want to say it but are just frozen in the moment, maybe giving them a paper explaining what you want to say could help. I find sometimes it's easier to get the spurt of courage to reach your hand out and pass a letter, than getting the courage to say something difficult.
Another option I've found helps me is to say a little intro that forces me to continue speaking, such as "I have something to tell you" -- for me, this can put the pressure on me necessary to finish, since the person is now expecting and waiting.
Other than that...keep reminding yourself why you want to tell them, how important it would be, how you deserve support through this, and just think of how your future self will be so thankful that you gathered the courage to get help to start the healing journey.
Hi there @notjoanne
I am so proud of you for deciding to open up about your self-harm. It is such an important step in your recovery process and I hope you also feel pride.
On a practical side, the only thing I could think of is writing your thoughts down. You could then use this as a sort of guide when you want to talk, or simply hand the paper over. Or you could even show this post...