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the self harm component of bipolar *T*

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Posted 9/20/2010 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Im just pondering why I self harm
and i wonder how many out there do this as well

does it come from self esteem problems when bipolar robs me of my dignity and self worth
is it linked to mood swings or crashes, or meds....

im struggling with this so much lately
altho everything else on my meds seems fine
im not much manic or depressed, i have slight changes from day to day but all very close to stable....

also,
if anyone has coping ideas to deal with the thoughts that bring it on, they would be much appreciated ~~~
Posted 9/20/2010 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
 

       When you say you "hurt yourself" are you talking about cutting or some other

       kind of self-injury?

 

       I ask because my bi-polar son has been a cutter for years but from what I understand

       it's not from his bi-polar disorder, he has a mild case of OCD and it's more a behavior

       of that. It's stress related and his cutting is a distraction from the stress.

       I can't begin to understand it but it's a scary problem. He's 18 and I just hope he

       might out grow it.

 

       If this is what you are referring to, post again and maybe I can give you some advise.

       Either way I am sorry you not feeling well.

Posted 9/20/2010 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
yes, im talking about cutting and similar things..
i wonder, though, never been diagnosed with OCD doesnt mean i have it but nobodys ever suggested i do either...

i think self harm is a distraction from stress for me too.

thank you ~
Posted 9/20/2010 5:56 AM (GMT 0)
I thought it was a way to relieve or outdo the pain that is hurting inside when it becomes too much. And distractions are useful, self-injury is not. Check this out:

Another great resource by S.A.F.E (self abuse finally ends) Alternatives

http://www.selfinjury.com/index.html
Posted 9/21/2010 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
For me, it served many purposes. One was a way to relieve stress. Another, was when I felt numb, I would do it to make myself feel pain, feel more real. I also did it as a form of punishment to myself, as I grew up in an abusive environment. I don't do it anymore, but almost resorted to it a few weeks ago, to relieve myself of stress. My husband stopped me from doing it, though, as he knows my history and saw me grab the scissors and lock myself in the bathroom. When I first tried to stop, I put a rubberband around my wrist and would snap it whenever I felt like cutting. After a while, I just stopped.
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