Hi my name is louise and I am a self harmer, I have self harmed over a period of 9yrs and it has now become more of an adiction than actually hurting myself, I started when I was 14 and this was becoz I had so much s**t in my life that I wanted to die, I currently have a new life, and trying to enjoy it to the full, but if I get stressed and down, most of the time I want to die, and I have images of my cutting my throat and wrists anything to die, please can anyone give me advice, would be much gr8ful thanks, louise

Louise,

Self harm can indeed develop into an addiction, as you seem to believe in your circumstance. Fortunately there are many resources available to you.

However, self harming, is a very complicated condition that requires in-depth information in order to even begin a treatment plan. There is a website, HelpGuide.com dedicated to this condition with numerous resources and even self-help recommendations. I believe HelpGuide might be a valuable resource for you and you can connect by clicking here (http://helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm).

You may also want to contact the Suicide Hotline (they maintain numerous resources that could be of assistance) and they deal not only with suicidal crises but also preventive referrals. Their services are free, confidential and professional. You can reach them by calling: 1-800-273-TALK

If these contacts don't meet your needs please let me know and Ill keep working on it until we get you the help you need.

I really would look into therapy, that would be your best bet.

You need to discover why you're doing this, what the addiction is. Like any other addiction, you need to get to the base, and then go from there.

Therapy isn't a quick fix by any means, but it is the best course to take IMO. Look for therapists in your area, realize that you may have to shop around before you find a therapist that you mesh with.

This really is your best bet. The internet is great, but reading a site isn't really going to help you get over this. You need the tools and you need to talk it out with a real human being, not a faceless person on the internet.

I wish you all the best. Please check into therapy, I think it will change your life for the better. :)

Keep us posted. We're here if you need help finding any of the resources you need to get the help you need. :)