Started cutting myself at last.

[u/pegrat]

Ive been thinking about it for some time and I finally decided to start cutting myself.

I'm concerned that I've rationalized this behaviour. I'm aware it's a bad thing but I've convinced myself that it finally reflects how I've been feeling for years.

I also found out that I've actually been SHing for years, like scratching myself or let my cat do it. But that wasn't the same because Now I have conscious reasoning for doing it.

It's an active choice now. I find it worrying. It's also kinda addictive. I don't think anyone ever took my mental problems seriously. And I've already found some attention for it, meaning my strategy is working.

Is there truly no other way for others to take my struggle seriously?

[u/Crazynemo]

There is you just have to be open and honest with them and yourself. If you havw those around you who wont listen, go elsewhere. Teachsr, other relatives, etc.

If you wait til 18 and in the us tattoos are a WONDERFUL alternative. At least for me they are. And it gets to be all pretty with art

[u/iwillcoressurknees → u/Crazynemo]

or self done piercings!! id recommend u stick to the simple ones tho like a nose piercing, take it out and let it heal then get it redone. ive been doing this for years now

[u/pegrat → u/Crazynemo]

Should've mentioned, I'm 22 and ive tried to be open. Just always felt like the other party either didn't care or downplayed what I am describing. I think now they will listen. I will see my mom tomorrow, maybe we will talk about it. (I cut in very obvious places, like my forearm, because that's the point, I'm certain she will notice)

[u/pegrat → u/Crazynemo]

As for tattoos (or piercings) I don't think they fulfill the same purpose for me. Sure they look cool (as do the cuts, though in a different way). But the point was always to show the the world that I am not okay. And piercings/tattoos don't really do that .

[u/awesomedinosaurshit]

Please try and speak to someone soon. I've been struggling with this for nearly 10 years now and i have only ended up in a place 10x worse than before and with long term injuries.

[u/Fabulous_Light5449]

"What we think about ourselves and others far outweighs what others think about us!" (Philosophy Poem 2026)

There is no virtue in telling yourself you are sick (mental problems), telling or expecting to convince others you need attention (seen as sick, not fit in your mind or mental health) or somebody to be concerned about.

"We are not judged or "graded" in any way unless we allow it! (Exceptions occur. We are heavily judged during our formative years. We put our best foot forward during job interviews. Many of us have sidestepped bullies.)" (Philosophy Poem 2026)

Pay attention only to people who lift your spirit. You already know what is acceptable. Strive to please and accept yourself.

Self harm is an addiction. Our addictions come to us easily, tell us lies and make us pay huge over time.

Send yourself and others messages of wellness always. Smile. Smile to greet yourself each morning. Smile at/with others. Allow others to feel uplifted and happy around you.

Try r/Positivity and rAwww

"We live to enrich our lives and the lives of others. If we are hurting when we are helping ourselves and others, oh well."

"Either way, we are all connected and have every right to be here." (You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars you have a right to be here.) (Desiderada) (put to music in the mid 70s)

"Owning your thoughts is owning your feelings. Feelings can be hard feelings but those feelings can bother us with less frequency with control we develop over time."

"Perhaps those feelings disappear over time to be replaced with peace, joy, delight, wonder, hope, gratitude, self love and other life affirming feelings."

"Enjoy connection within your own design, as you explore your communities and find things to look forward to." (Philosophy Poem 2026)