Is it normal to feel the urges to self-harm after you've stopped for months?
39 Answers
Last Updated: 07/26/2018 at 12:35am


Moderated by
Lindsay Scheinerman, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
My work with clients is to help them recognize and build on their strengths to find solutions for the conflicts presented in their lives.
Top Rated Answers
Yes it is. But this is all part of the recovery process, I know it can be hard but fight these urges and don't let them undo all of your hard work
I believe so. Because self-harm releases endorphins which make you feel better instantly, your body sees them as a way to feel happy. Because it was a behavior that did something before, your body wants to do it again to feel better. Keep fighting!
It's very normal to feel urges to self-harm. Because self-harming may have made you feel alive or you miss that adrenaline. But other things in life can bring more adrenaline than this method.
yes, i was there. i did that. it's normal to feel the urge. but if you distract yourself, it quickly passes.
Yes it is completely normal to have urges.
Anonymous
May 8th, 2017 4:43am
I would say that yes it is normal. Self harm is something you have to battle everyday so even after months of stopping it can be hard to not relapse. Although If you were feeling this way I would suggest trying to talk to someone.
Yes. There will always be relapses and relapse urges. The best things to do are call a friend, sqeeze some ice in your hand, and start doodling on the nearest possible surface. Use skin if you need. It's perfectly normal and it's ok if you give in every once in a while. It's part of the healing process.
Anonymous
February 4th, 2018 4:44pm
Yes, self harm can be addictive and its a coping method we know might work for us to its normal to still have urges sometimes.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2018 12:35am
Yes it usually is specially if you self harmed for a long time or it became really bad. It stays with you.
Related Questions: Is it normal to feel the urges to self-harm after you've stopped for months?
why does cutting make me feel better but then bad afterwards?I harm myself on purpose. I never do it because I need to cope, I do it because I like the pain and like to have something on my body. I know I should stop, but I don't want to. Why is that?Does cutting for only a few months and stopping make me any less of a self-harmer?How do I explain scars when a young child asks about them?What do I say to people that ask about my scars without making them uncomfortable?How to deal with self-harm alone?Why do some wounds turn purple?Is scratching yourself with a paper clip on purpose considered self harm when you don’t bleed?Whenever I bandage myself with rolled gauze I can never get it tight enough, so it always ends up slipping off. I want to be able to bandage myself properly. Any tips?If I don't have a bandage big enough to cover a cut what else can I use?