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Is it normal for me to suddenly stop self-harming?

17 Answers
Last Updated: 08/23/2021 at 7:31am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Andrea Tuck, LCPC

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I tackle and discuss a multitude of social and emotional health issues. I have a belief that through empowerment and non-judgmental support clients' can thrive.

Top Rated Answers
HelpfullOwl
February 1st, 2015 3:49pm
A lot of people do suddenly stop self-harming its like they wake up one day and think 'actually i don't want to do this anymore' and they stop. Some people however need to stop gradually, through distractions and reducing the amount. But whatever works for you is completely normal and it's really good you've managed to stop :)
ZenLotus6452
June 12th, 2015 3:49pm
Yes, it is completely normal for you to stop self-harming. You should record the feelings you have on the day you stop and how proud you are of yourself so that when you feel like you are going to self-harm again you can look back on your own positive thoughts and emotions.
Anonymous
September 13th, 2016 6:42pm
most of the times its suddenly ... one day you just stop... keep this progress up! dont fall back into old habits.. you are strong
Anonymous
June 1st, 2015 11:23pm
Sure, most stop for a week, relapse, stop for two weeks, relapse, until they stop the habit conpletely. But guess what? Who cares if it's normal? You've brought yourself to stop a bad habit, and that's wonderful. I admire you for your strength.
Anonymous
September 18th, 2017 9:16am
Yes, this happens. Some people really struggle when it comes to quitting but others can go cold turkey. This doesnt necessarily mean that there wont be a time when the urge comes back but its a good sign that you can fight that urge if you experience it again.
Anonymous
September 19th, 2016 6:06pm
I think the focus here shouldn't be on questioning if it is normal, but instead celebrate that you've stopped. Some people no longer need to self harm because the trigger or event causing it has gone away while other people need more time and help to be able to stop.
Anonymous
May 10th, 2016 2:49am
Self-harm is a tricky subject. Quite often, people who self-harm 'outgrow' the behavior. It is not to say that it is a behavior only seen in teens or younger people, but it is common to stop self-harming as you grow older. When you grow older you develop stronger coping strategies and methods to handle stress, and self-harm doesn't become the first option. There are healthy alternatives!
avanef
May 1st, 2017 9:16pm
I wouldn't say normal, I'd say it's positive progress. If you suddenly stop self-harming that is good, like amazing actually, You should never want to harm yourself and you should feel very proud of yourself to finally realized that and know that things are finally working out for you.
Anonymous
August 23rd, 2021 7:31am
Yes, first of all I would like to appreciate you for this change. A sudden stop to self harming perhaps means that you no longer need that behaviour to provide you that feeling of relief or comfort that you once looked for when you engaged in it. Reflect and think about any new positive changes that may have taken place that may have enabled this. Maybe you now have a pet, or a friend, or a new routine. Whatever it maybe continue engaging in it provided it replaces your self harming with a positive action. This is your route to recovery and I am so happy for you.
OceanRest
May 7th, 2019 2:59pm
To be honest, I'm not sure if it's "normal" for you to suddenly stop self-harming. But I'm wondering if that is the best thing to focus on. Some people can suddenly stop and it goes away for a while and then it comes back. If self-harming has reached the addictive phase or if you've come to rely heavily on it as a coping mechanism it would be strange if you could just suddenly stop. But if you could just suddenly stop, I am grateful for that and you can be too. Even if it doesn't last, what could be meaningful for you to do is think back to the time when you were still self-harming and try to understand what happened, what triggered you. We can usually think more clearly when we are not in the middle of the crisis. So try to understand what happened and see if you can come up for alternatives. That way if the urge ever comes up again, you will be more prepared for it. And it's okay if it comes up again. Sometimes we fall into the same hole many times, but every time we fall in we learn something about it until eventually we see it in time and know what to do to not fall in again. I'm very glad you could stop. You can be happy about it too.
Sunset316
September 17th, 2018 5:51pm
Yes. More than normal, it's actually really refreshing to someone say that. It means that you've turned over a new leaf. It means that something (or someone) in the world made you think a little more positively than yesterday. Of course, none of us are perfect and all of us have flaws. But the most precious thing of all is LIFE. Problems, no matter how big or emotionally hard, are still nothing compared to what life is truly about. It's not life if you can walk on rose petals and breeze your way through. Overcoming problems teaches a very valuable lesson. One should look for solutions rather than resort to self-harm
SupportiveSockMonkey
April 24th, 2018 6:06pm
Yes, this could be because you have began fighting the battle of self harm, you may have also found that you can cope without it. I applaud you for stopping it is a massive step and everyone will be behind you to carry on.
gentleRainbow43
November 24th, 2015 2:59am
yes and it is a good thing self harm is very dangerous and it is better to avoid doing so. If you feel the need to do so you should definitely talk to someone
Anonymous
November 16th, 2015 10:58am
I think it is a fantastic thing you have stopped self harming. You should be very proud of yourself. 😊
kindMoment44
November 14th, 2015 8:41pm
Yeah, its normal and its great. So out of interest, what do you use to cope?
Anonymous
September 28th, 2015 12:25am
Self harming is a coping mechanism a survival technique and if you have stopped suddenly that is brilliant :) it means you are either not in a situation where you need to harm yourself or that you have learned healthier alternatives
hematohidrosis
May 11th, 2015 5:46am
It's always a good thing to stop cutting, So yes, it is pretty normal to stop self-harming. Even if it's sudden.