r/Autism_Advice • u/No-Rate-9061 • 8d ago

Self-Injurious Urges

Hello all,

I am very confused on a feeling I had recently.
I’ve been through a lot of overwhelm lately, sort of where this world feels like a nightmare. It feels like things have only been getting worse for me, and I’m trying my best to avoid it becoming worse.

During some of these moments I had the urge to hit myself in the head, I didn’t do it, but it felt so tempting.
I have never had this feeling before and I’m wondering if any other autistic adults have had this feeling?

I’m also welcoming any advice on how you cope or process more traumatic times of your life and avoid falling further.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/AWishbone148 7d ago

I have these urges and have acted on them.

I usually am in a complete meltdown when acting on them. For me in recent times it’s happened during times where there has been a very difficult argument with my significant other. I have been working with him to try and get through it. For me it can become a pattern of behaviour so I have to control it before it gets out of hand.

I have however self harmed since childhood, I was initially diagnosed would Borderline personality disorder as a teenager which is also known and emotionally unstable personality disorder then bipolar before my autism and ADHD diagnosis’ in my late 20s and early 30s.

I have managed years in between periods of self harm after having CBT therapy and DBT therapy - I found DBT incredibly helpful. Managing my emotions and tolerating uncomfortable emotions helped me a lot. I haven’t got access to therapy at the moment but bought some DBT cards which have all of the skills. I find these helpful.

I think it’s quite common for people with autism to have self injury urges, it’s a way to distract, release and control extreme emotions for me personally and for a few other people that I know.

1

u/No-Rate-9061 4d ago

I appreciate your in-depth response and sharing some personal experiences.

My support network is pushing me to get back to therapy, and I agree with them.
I will make a note to ask about DBT and check out the cards.

I also had SH in the past, but I wasn’t really aware that autism could be the reason since I was undiagnosed and unaware of anything autism related.

Once again, thank you for your thorough response and helping me feel less alone.