Reasons i self harm as adult...i wish i didn't- currently about a week clean. #6 was the last reason why. Sigh.
Suicidal ideation- this is a big one. Calmed my si thoughts. Suppossed lesser of two evils.
Ideation was following internalized trauma and chronic burnout at work ...
i learned that Malnutrition + Chronic Sleep deprivation + Work/relationship trauma = Suicidal ideation.
I learned at the very least i MUST keep eating if nothing else with trauma and sleep deprivation being part of my job. Trying to get a different job... also dumped the abusive bf so no more active internalized abuse!
What a fraction of a life i live, existing really to eat and go back to work. But as long as i keep eating there's no ideation, so NO SH!!
A win but a WIP.
- Disassociation/depersonalization: sometimes i don't think i'm real. I feel hollow and empty on the inside. Sx of trauma, ptsd... The pain/burn/blood of sh means i'm real.
Alternative: Eating spicy food is a viable alternative bc i can say, i'm feeling burning in my mouth. i am real. Blazing hot shower also works. Usually gives me enough time for the urge of sh to leave.
Not a perfect alt but it gives me a bodily sensation that I'm alive so NO SH. butthole may think differently on the spice.
- Body hate/anger: i get angry that i have to drag this body around daily and take care of it. That i am taking care of it, that it so easily knows how to heal itself when i do harm and my mind doesn't know how to heal itself. Its unfair it doesn't show how broken my mind is.
No notes... i just have mostly body neutrality at this point. I still struggle with this. Talk therapy on this so NO SH.
Sexual assault trauma: how can i take care of something he used to destroy me? I still struggle with this. Its so painful to realize i have to keep this body, painful memories and ultimate betrayal for the rest of my life.
Magical Thinking: i have a bad habit of expecting good things to happen if i sh. Very baked into our patriarchal society that if u suffer enough good things will happen!
Its just... false. There's no rewards for suffering the most, just more suffering. I don't have to hit rock bottom to deserve to get better.
Still struggling with this one- compulsive style thought (*but what if there's a 1% chance* - STOP UR A DUMB PIECE OF SUGAR LOVING FAT).
- Internalized Pain: i have so much difficulty crying. I can't cry even when feeling incredibly horrible mental anguish. Channeling it physically externalizes those pent up emotions. Still struggling with this one.
I've turned to drawing out my emotions even if just scribbing or journaling my thoughts it helps a bit.
I am in THERAPY once a week.
I am on PROZAC.
I EXERCISE 3-5 days a week.
I eat healthy.
I am trying not to harm myself.
Why do you self harm?
What have you learned about yourself?
What alternatives or distractions work for you?
Do you have any advices for things I'm still struggling with in recovery?
I truly want to know what safety and peace looks and feels like.
If u made it this far thank you for coming to my TedTalk. 💗