#tw self harm recovery

[angelsnake99]

TW: Disability, pain, anxiety, depression, judgement, trauma, self harm, prescription medications

Dude, it takes so much for me just to get to normal. Like, baseline. Where everyone else naturally wakes up at. Between the rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia pains combined, on flare up days (caused by stress, over exertion, extreme heat or cold), the pain is like torture. Every joint in my body, every finger and toe, between every vertebrae; my fucking FACE; skull joints like jaw and base of skull/neck...it feels like they are filled with glass and poisonous thorns, and someone has a vice gripped around each one, slowly tightening and loosing it at completely irregular and unpredictable intervals. Then the fibro...every nerve. In patches surrounding the sore joints that are sometimes so large that they cover my entire body. Tender pain, like I'm covered in bruises. Like I was beaten. Sometimes, the weight of my clothing on my SKIN is too much to bear. The RA fatigue and fibro fog make it so hard to do anything. But you know what's worse than all that? What it does to me psychologically, and how it impacts those around me. The anxiety and depression, the shame and guilt and embarrassment when I don't live up to normal people's expectations, because you can't always see my pain with your eyes, and I'm very good at hiding it by now. When I can't cook dinner for my husband because I can't lift the bowl. When I have to ask a stranger to help me do my job at work because I can't lift the equipment and I'm out in the field working alone so I can't ask for a coworkers support. When my husband's family doesn't understand so they think we're just lazy. When my son wants me to play with him or pick him up and he doesn't understand why I can't. When I want to see a friend but I have to cancel because I can't lift my arms to drive. And the constant effort I have to expend to function, to just go to work and do basic things like laundry, dishes, showers, driving, sleeping...eating. I cant eat sometimes because of the pain. But when I express it, everyone around me is miserable too. So I hide the pain. Because the truth is, I am legally disabled, but I'm too young to accept it so I refused disability from the state. So I did this to myself and it's all my fault. Because I couldn't be honest with myself and my loved ones about how bad it really is. I've wanted to cut recently but I already hurt so much and I've stopped doing it for so long I can't go back. But I am overwhelmed. My add is out of control lately too because of it. I can't take medications for pain and ADHD at the same time. Too much. Plus I already think people don't understand how severe the pain is anyway and how badly I need my meds. I'll be annoying and spacy and unfocused and unmotivated over more pain. #rheumatoidarthritis #fibromyalgia #anxiety #depression #adhd #selfharmrecovery #younganddisabled #ptsd #trauma #venting #disabledbutable

[selfsabotagingcvnt]

2024 is the year I heal

2024 is the year I have my biggest relapse yet

[ed-recoverry]

Credit

[selfharm-harmreduction]

Reducing The Risk: A Guide To Harm Reduction For Self-Harm

[Pt: Reducing The Risk: A Guide To Harm Reduction For Self-Harm]

Disclaimer: I do not encourage self-harm. I am also not a medical professional.

**Warning! Crisis lines/hotlines/etc. in resources linked below may call the cops or other emergency services on you without permission**

Harm reduction is something everyone does. You probably engage in harm reduction all the time without knowing! Vaccinations are harm reduction, wearing a seat belt is harm reduction, using contraception is harm reduction, and so much more. Harm reduction can be used to reduce damage before it occurs, aka prevention, (i.e. wearing a seat belt), reduce damage as it occurs (i.e. emergency response), and reduce damage after it has occurred (i.e. rehabilitation). How does this apply to self-harm?

Prevention;

[pt: prevention; ]

Prevention dose not always have to mean delaying or stopping self-harming, this is not a possibility for everyone but is the most reliable way to prevent harm. Here are some resources if you want to reduce or stop self-harming:

Calm Harm (link), an app that helps provide alternatives and distraction to help you "ride the wave". Free in the UK, charges may apply else where.

'Delaying Self-Harm' (link) & 'Distractions and Displacement' (link) from Self Injury Support.

'Distraction Techniques & Alternative Coping Strategies' (link) from Cornell University

You may also want to call a crisis line (warning! many crisis lines and hotlines will call the cops or other emergency services on you without your permission (such as 988 in America), this can be very dangerous. You can find lists of crisis lines that do not do this in your country online)

If you don't feel ready too or don't want to stop self-harming that is also ok, and even if you are relapses happen and most people cannot stop 'cold-turkey' so it is always a good idea to be prepared for if/when you self-harm. Here are some ways you can prepare too keep yourself safe:

Prevent infection; make sure you are up to date with you Tetanus vaccination (link), adults need a booster shot every 10 years. Learn the signs of infection (link) and when you need to go to hospital. Make sure your tools are clean.

Prepare to treat wounds; make sure you have a fully equipped first aid kit and basic knowladge of first aid and anatomy. 'Cutting The Risk' (link) has information on a first aid for self harm, as well as other useful information.

Have safe(er) tools; this means, if possible, always have new tools on hand. If you can not access new tools you can disinfect used tools with rubbing alcohol or boiling. Remember to dry well. Always check for rust and dispose of your tool properly if any is found.

Plan for emergencies; Who will you ask for help if you can not care for your injuries alone? Do you know how to get to your local Accident & Emergency`? Do you know how to get there without driving (can you take a bus, can a friend drive you)? What will you do if you get an infection? It can be useful to have this written down, too.

As Damage Occurs;

[Pt: As Damage Occurs; ]

When you self-harm there are things you can do to keep yourself safer;

Keep your phone nearby. This is in case of an emergency and you have to call for help.

Be mindful of where you self-harm; some areas on the body are more dangerous to harm because of arteries, major nerves, and other things you can not see on the surface. This resource (link) has lots of information on how to harm safer, including safer locations and where arteries, veins, and major nerves are located in the body. Generally more fleshy parts of the body are safer, do not cut/burn/etc. your wrists, neck, groin, on or near joints, your face, or palms. Avoid cutting/burning/etc. on scars.

Think about anatomy; because ligaments, connective tissue, and muscle go vertically across the body it is safer to cut vertically instead of horizontally. Vertical cuts are less likely to damage your mobility, nerves, etc. because they go with the grain of muscle and connective tissue.

Try and reduce severity; this means lessening the depth of cut, the degree of burns, etc. and time you spend self-harming. Try making less injuries as well (i.e. 8 burns instead of 10). This makes it easier for your body to heal.

Make sure you can see what you are doing; this means clearing blood out of the way as you go. This is especially important if you multi-swipe.

Tend tend to wounds as you go; for cutters this means stopping the flow of blood by applying pressure before continuing and for burners rinsing the burn in cool water (warm water for a chemical burn). This makes it easier to tell what you are doing and asses damage as you go.

After Damage Occurs;

[pt: After Damage Occurs; ]

After you have self-harmed it is important to tend to your injuries;

Assess the damage: after you are done self-harming assesses the damage (How deep are the cuts? What degree are your burns? Are they clean? Are you bleeding heavily? etc.). If the wound is spurting blood or you go into shock (link), chemicals went into your eyes or mouth, or another emergency that needs immediate medical attention call emergency services (999, 911, 112, etc.). If you cannot stop the bleeding, the injury is on a joint, your face, or palm, something is lodged in the wound, you lose sensation or movement, or you do not think you can take care of the wound by yourself seek immediate medical attention.

First aid; if you have called emergency services follow the operators instructions. This (link) resource and this one (link) have useful information on first aid.

1. Stop the bleeding or burning; For cuts, apply pressure with a clean cloth that is not fuzzy (such as a t-shirt or clean tea towel), if the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure seek immediate medical attention. For burns, remove any clothing or jewellery near the burn, if they are stuck to the burn do not attempt to remove. rinse with cool water for 10+ minutes. Do not use ice. For chemical burns, remove clothing surrounding the injury, rinse with room temperature saline if available, if not use warm water, for 30+ minutes 2. Clean the wound; For cuts, rinse the wound with clean warm water to remove any derbies. For chemical and heat burns, rinsing the wound will have cleaned it. Do not attempt to remove anything stuck to the wound, this will lead to more injury. 3. Dressing injuries; For cuts, if the cut is gaping you need to get stitches, seek intimidate medical attention. If this is not possible use steri-strips (link) or butterfly bandages (link) to pull the edges of the wound together and then apply a plaster or bandage on top. For wounds that are not gaping, apply a sterile plaster or bandage depending on the size of the injury or injuries. Use of antibiotic ointment is optional. For burns, loosely cover the affected area with cling film or other clean plastic. Using medical tape can help keep it in place. Never use a cotton or cloth bandage on a burn. For chemical burns, loosely apply a sterile dressing that will not stick to the wound after you have washed ALL of the chemical(s) off with warm water. 4. Wound care; For cuts, dressings need to be changed about once a day, change them if they become wet or dirty as well. Check for signs of infection (link) (see below for first aid for infections) when you change dressings. There is no need to clean your cuts again unless they become dirty. Never reuse wound dressings. For burns, dressings need to be changed about once a day, change them if they become wet or dirty as well. Check for signs of infection (link) (see below for first aid for infections) when you change dressings, burns are much more likely to become infected then cuts. There is no need to clean your burns again unless they become dirty. Never reuse wound dressings. For chemical burns, dressings need to be changed about once a day, change them if they become wet or dirty as well. Check for signs of infection (link) (see below for first aid for infections) when you change dressings, burns are much more likely to become infected then cuts. There is no need to clean your burns again unless they become dirty. Never reuse wound dressings.

Infection; if you believe a wound is infected after looking at symptoms of infection (link)...

1. Assess damage; Infections are similar across cuts, burn, and chemical burns. Symptoms of mild infection; spreading redness, heat, or swelling near the injury, increased or new pain, increased fluid leaking from wound. Some redness, pain, and fluid leakage can be normal. Symptoms of serious infection (seek immediate medical attention!); confusion or disorientation, feeling faint or dizzy, irregular heartbeat and/or breathing, cold, clammy, pale skin, fever (body temperature of 38c (100.4 f) or higher), fainting, severe muscle pain, painful muscle spasms, stiff jaw (lockjaw), and more (link). If you are unsure how severe your infection is talk to a medical professional. If you don't think you can tend to your injuries alone seek medical attention. 2. Treat infection; If you have symptoms of a series infection seek intimidate medical attention. If you do not feel able to get to A&E by yourself call an ambulance. If you do not feel that you can tend to your injury alone seek medical attention For mild infections, clean the wound with warm water and unscented soap, then soak in warm water. Apply antibiotic ointment to the infected wound(s) and re-dress the wound. Do not reuse dressings. Repeat 1 to 3 times a day daily until infection subsides. If the infection worsens or does not go away seek medical attention.

Resources;

[Pt: Resources; ]

**Warning! Crisis lines/hotlines/etc. in resources linked below may call the cops or other emergency services on you without permission**

Here is a list of resources for harm reduction, some of these might also be linked above.

Cutting The Risk (link), a (free) book all things self-harm , including lots of information on harm reduction, for any by self-harmer. From The National Self-Harm Network. (this one's my favourite)

Harm Minimisation (link) by Self Injury Support is a short guide to the basics of self-harm harm reduction. PDF version (link), I find this version easier to read.

Self-Harm: Limiting The Damage (link) from the NHS, main focus is on firs-aid.

Calm Harm (link), an app made by a mental health charity designed to help you "surf the wave" of self-harm urges.

Exploring Alternatives (link), by Self Injury Support provides a lists of alternatives to self-harm.

Distractions and Displacement (link), by Self Injury Support provides a list of things to do instead of self-harming.

Delaying Self-Harm (link), by Self Injury Support provides a list of ways to avoid self-harming.

How to tell someone about self-harm (link), from the NHS

Talking To Your GP About Mental Health (link), from Mind (a UK mental health charity)

First aid info;

Signs of infection (link)

Burns first aid (link)

Cuts first aid (link)

Chemical burns first aid (link)

[theoscout]

The best advice I've ever posted:

I want this image posted in as many places as possible. Do your part and reblog it. Download it, put it on pinterest, tweet it, whatever. IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was anxious the whole fucking day until I did this. I ran around on discord screaming because of the sheer difference I felt in mood. It probably worked better than my meds did.

[punkstylerecovery]

if my body keeps score, will she remember when i grab another blanket to keep her warm? will she remember when i use mobility aids to make things easier for her? will she remember when i put down the blade and take a shower instead? does she recall the days i rest, when i watch our favorite shows and settle in to treat her with all the kindness i'm trying to convince myself we deserve? does she remember the love? does she recall the kindness? does she remember when i run my hands across our wounds and apologize? does she keep score of our healing?

[uncanny-tranny]

So much love and recognition to the people who don't know how they feel about recovering. To the people whose scars are fading away, and there's a sinking feeling, despite knowing that it's a good thing. To the people who miss when they were "worse," when they felt "broken." To the people who mourn losing their coping mechanisms, even the ones that were destructive, scary, or unpleasant. To those who feel guilty they're healing because their past self wasn't ready.

Whatever it is, there is nothing wrong with any of those feelings. It's a natural reaction, something you don't have ultimate control over. There is nothing shameful about yourself, and I admire the strength it takes to recognize how you feel, even the parts that do feel like the "wrong" reaction to a Good Thing.

[wellthatsunfortunate444]

is it just me whos scared of making cvts overlap?

idk why but i could never make myself cvt across another cvt

[desultory-suggestions]

If you have to get through the day one minute at a time it’s okay. Reaching the other side of this minute is not only real but inevitable, this anxiety, panic, depression, insecurity, jealousy, or any other feeling will pass. It’s okay if you can’t see that as a possibility, because even in your worst moments when it feels infinite, the time will pass anyway.

[icutmyselfshaving0-0]

Tw: Sh (already healed) scars

Tw: cicatrizes de sh

Block, don't report pls! :(

Bloqueie, não denuncie, por favor! :(

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(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

(⁠✯⁠ᴗ⁠✯⁠)

(⁠ㆁ⁠ω⁠ㆁ⁠)

(⁠ﾉ⁠◕⁠ヮ⁠◕⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠*⁠.⁠✧

✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

(⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

(⁠´⁠∩⁠｡⁠•⁠ ⁠ᵕ⁠ ⁠•⁠｡⁠∩⁠`⁠)

(⁠⸝⁠⸝⁠⸝⁠´⁠꒳⁠`⁠⸝⁠⸝⁠⸝⁠)⁠╯

(⁠＾⁠∇⁠＾⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠♪

〜⁠(⁠꒪⁠꒳⁠꒪⁠)⁠〜

ヘ⁠(⁠￣⁠ω⁠￣⁠ヘ⁠)

I've been clean for 2 months! :D

Estou limpo há 2 meses! :D

[kennysinthewoods]

my stats, recovery 😭

18, afab, they/he/she

cw ~ 44.4kg, 7 stone, 98lbs

gw ~ 50kg, 8 stone, 112lbs

5'2 n a half

[ed-recoverry]

Shoutout to people who relapse quick.

Shoutout to people who try to recover, but it doesn’t ever last long.

Shoutout to the people who want to get better, but they’re struggling to start.

I see so many people comforting those far into recovery who’ve relapsed, saying that it is a normal part of recovery and they will be okay. Which is completely true! But I rarely see that same energy for people who haven’t been clean for long or who relapse often.

It’s hard to get your footing in recovery. Wanting to get better and taking steps to get better are two very different things; one much harder than the other.

Even a quickly failed attempt at recovery is something worth celebrating.

Trying to recover, knowing you probably won’t stay clean for long, and still deciding to try again is something impressive.

The only consistent trait in recovery from anything is relapsing at least once. If you don’t relapse, then you haven’t done the work to heal the cause of your destructive behavior. Relapse is integral to healing.

While it is ideal that these relapses are few and far between, that is something that is just unattainable for some.

I often see comments on tiktok that talk about how annoying it is when someone says “one second clean” or something along those lines, but I couldn’t disagree more. I am such a strong believer that every single second you aren’t acting on self destructive impulses is an accomplishment.

Especially if you’re actively resisting that behavior.

Relapse is normal in recovery. That includes relapses that happen after months of being clean, and relapses that happen within hours of being clean. While you should always strive to go longer and longer without relapsing, any amount of time spent not relapsing is something to be proud of.

Intent matters. Wanting to get better matters, even if you aren’t making much progress, is something to celebrate. Strive to be better, but don’t forget the little victories along the way.

[selfharm-harmreduction]

Disposing of Blades (and Other Sharps) Safely

[Pt: Disposing of Blades (and Other Sharps) Safely]

When you need to dispose of a blade or other sharp object use a sharps container (some accessible bathrooms have them, at least in the UK). If you do not have access to a sharps container place it into a puncture resistant container (such as a plastic milk carton or empty pill bottle) before throwing it out. Do not flush any sharps down the toilet.

Both of these methods reduce the risk of sanitation workers becoming injured.

[swifteainthesummer]

Haven't updated in a while but I've been clean from self harm for over a month. I'm pretty proud of myself tbh

[styrostuff]

good morning, styrostuff nation

i just wanted to tell you all that today, i’m 50 days clean.

when i first started running this account, it would have been an incredible feat to make it to one day clean.

it’s possible to pull through :) it’s so fucking difficult but it’s so, SO worth it.

i still have a lot to work on mentally, and socially. but sometimes shit doesn’t work out the way you think. /pos

me and my fp (ex-fp??? idk) are friends again. i hope someday my attachment to them will be healthy. but for now, i have the consolation that i’m one of their closest and dearest friends and if i had a healthy attachment to them, our friendship would be really good for me. they’re a wonderful friend. i missed them a lot. they still want more space between us than we used to have, but i can live with that.

i don’t have to hide tools and first aid supplies anymore, or spend an unreasonable amount of money restocking. i don’t have to hide fresh wounds from my friends and family, or worry about scared looks from my friends if they accidentally catch a glimpse of open wounds. it’s summer, and i can wear shorts and t-shirts again.

watching my scars fade used to destroy me. but now that they’re healed to probably the fullest extent they possibly could be, they’re a reminder of a very dark period of my mental health that i still feel myself slipping into sometimes. but every split and episode i go into without s3lf harning is a step in the right direction.

i know many people in this community aren’t ready to recover, and i understand that. recovery is terrifying, recovery can be emotionally draining, recovery can be painful. my first two weeks fully clean this streak were some of the worst weeks of my life. but it paid off. it gets easier. the urges still happen, but they’re easier to ignore. i don’t look back at photos of my relapses and feel pride anymore— they make me feel queasy at the fact that i was able to do that to myself if i catch a glimpse of one in my camera roll.

recovery is so difficult. but it can be so wonderful.

[sharpenerheart]

Relapse

Recovery

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Recovery

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