|
just stressed and the old cutting habit dies hard
19/f
I've been really stressed out and am staring to get depressed for really no reason particularly. i started cutting almost five years ago and occasionally relapse just from the urge to do it. i started doing it because i was very depressed and was at a horrible point in my life then. things have changed alot since 5 years ago but i still continue to resort back to cutting. i feel like i'm starting to lose control and will end up reverting back to the way i delt with anxiety and stress, which was cutting... ALOT. although i'm much better at managing the need to do it, when i get depressed it just takes over me and i cant stop and i dont want to stop. its a very sick way to deal with emotions or lack there of. I only cut on my hips not om my arms because i live in south where its hot and wearing long sleeves its just impossible and having a job with cuts on your arms raises some awareness so i try to avoid cutting my arms even though when i feel the urge to do so it is on my wrist. i guess i'm asking how do i stop an old addiction from taking over my life again?
-thanks
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
im 13 and have cut a lot on my ams legs belly hips wrists scince I was 11 and yes it dies HARD.Im in therapy now,and mayby you should too.theres rehabilitation places for people with this problem with group therapy and its a good idea.every time you get the urge to gut,snap a rubber band on your wrist and it releases the same chemicals and replace that with cutting.eventually youll lose the urge.
]
Having recovered from and still in recovery from depression I know how hurtful depression can be. Stress and depression go hand in hand. Stress is the major trigger for depression. Depression causes pain and pain causes depression. It can and does become a vicious circle.
Trying to break this circle on your own fails more times then it works; as you are discovering. The only true way to break the cycle of depression is with professional help. This starts with a trip to your family doctor. As an adult now your medical information is totally confidential. Nothing that takes place between you and your doctors can be shared with anyone without your written permission. So no one but you and your doctor knows why you are visiting.
When you visit your family doctor you ask to be screened for depression. The screening consists of different questions the doctor will ask you. Based on those question the doctor will make an assessment as to whether you are suffering from depression. The doctor may also want to do a complete physical as well. This would be to rule out any physical reason for your suffering.
Once your family doctor has ruled out any organic reason he or she will want to refer you to a psychologist for talk therapy and possibly to a psychiatrist for medication. Since the most common reason for clinical depression is the body not making enough of one or two hormones which effect the brains ability to deal with stress a psychiatrist is better qualified then you family doctor to medicate for this illness. You are not crazy in fact you are probably more sane than most of your friends.
Clinical depression is somewhat like diabetes in that the body is not secreting enough of these hormones to meet demand. The only difference is once you get control of the stress you won't need the medication any longer.
When working with the psychologist it is important that you feel very comfortable with the person you chose. This must be someone you feel comfortable enough to tell your deepest secrets to. I went through 3 before I found the one I was comfortable with. If your not comfortable with the first one you chose say so to them. They will understand. There are a number of different methods used by therapists in working with patients. IF your not comfortable with their method they will refer you to someone who works differently.
You know the cutting is not the answer so you have taken a big step to gaining control over the results of the depression. Now call your doctor and get screened for depression and follow his or her advice. I promise you if you do there is not only a light at the end of the tunnel. You will feel much better very soon.
]
Have you ever considered going to counseling? It may not sound like fun, but no one has to know except for you and your counselor. Unless you choose to tell anyone, but it wouldn't hurt to go see one and figure out what is the cause of your cutting, as well as getting help to find more constructive ways to release your stress that does not involve the harming of yourself. Then there is also the option of medications that help even out your mood. It's never too late to seek help and find a good solution, but in the end, you'll feel better.
]
More Questions: |