I feel like by writing this I am being really cringy but I honestly don't care. I have been struggling with my mental health for about 5 years (since I was 9 and my mum died) but about a year and half ago I started cutting myself. It feels like a good way to feel or to just put my pain into a physical pain but I've never done it enough to do damage or scar.
Because of this, I think I'm just faking it and don't really need the help, especially when it gets really bad, I don't have the energy or can't be bothered to cut myself. Two of my friends know and one suspects, but I think my best friend thinks I'm faking because I do it in really hidden areas. It calms me but sometimes I just wonder if I am actually struggling because I know a lot of people struggle a lot more with self-harm, with more permanent and dangerous outcomes. This is also justified by how sometimes I am too mentally drained to cut myself. Sam, am I actually self-harming or am I just mistaken because of my mental issues? I really don't know what to think anymore.
Sam
Hi there,
Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves on purpose. It doesn’t have to be “bad enough” to count, no matter how you’re hurting yourself you deserve to feel supported.
People might hurt themselves for lots of different reasons. Sometimes people feel it’s a way of trying to cope or express feelings that seem too difficult. It’s important to remember that no matter what you’re doing, self-harming is never a safe or healthy way of coping. There are always alternatives you can try.
It can feel difficult asking for help when it feels embarrassing or cringy. Sometimes it can be easier to think about it as having a conversation, rather than asking for help. It can help to think about who you trust and feel safe with. Remember, if someone thinks your faking then that just means they may not be the best person to talk to. It says more about them than is does about you.
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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