[Phason]

Hi. I have been diagnosed with depression but lately I keep getting this desire to hurt myself. I don't mean cut. I am no cutter. I just keep scratching myself so I end up with actual scratches and scraping my hand on a brick wall until it bleeds... Is this still self harm and why can't I stop myself? I want to stop but I can't resist the urge to do it. I am not looking for attention. I just want to know why I get this desire. Oh and I am not suicidal. Please help me.

[justcurious55]

If I were you, I would seek professional help. Even if you're not causing serious harm to yourself right now I can see this leading to serious harm later if you don't figure out why you're doing it and how to stop

[Phason]

if i were you, i would seek professional help. even if you're not causing serious harm to yourself right now i can see this leading to serious harm later if you don't figure out why you're doing it and how to stop

Thank you. I will tell the councillor.

[Moomin]

I'm glad you are getting counselling, I think it is a very healthy and wize move! I wish you luck!

[Phason]

Thank you

[Username Here]

Hello,

Find the best way to vent, some people find that keeping a diary and writing down everything allows them to vent, others prefer to just scream in the middle of nowhere, some go to counselors, some go online and ask for help.

An official diagnosis of depression can sometimes make things worse, BUT you can come out of depression as a better person. Avoid stressful situations and area's where you have more of an urge to do yourself harm, try to be with someone all the time that you know will help you to stop hurting yourself.

Find a hobby, a distraction from it all, everyone needs a break. If you get involved in anything preferably a team sport where you'll find you have a great time trying to beat another team and all your woes will disappear.

Because you're diagnosed with depression, I'm assuming you've had these issues for 5 years or more, so by now you know what may possibly be causing it. You need to take whatever situation it is, and either make it positive or avoid it.

I really hope helps you, and if you need to talk private message me and I'll give you my MSN.

[svatnsdal]

I know exactly how you feel. When I was 17, quite a time ago, I went through the same thing. I was severely depressed and I had to hurt myself. It's addictive! I know people think you are asking for attention, your not.
Talk to your councillor about it. Years after my problem I learned why I did it. I went through so much emotional pain. I kept making myself think that giving myself the physical pain would make the emotional pain go away. It never did, but I kept doing it because I kept believing it would work. Plus it is very addictive.
I have been there, you just need to open up to those around who are there to help. When I did it, there was no help. Make sure you always get the help why it's there. Maybe you'll understand yourself soon, but it may take you years to understand yourself.

[jamie71489]

I know what you mean too, whenever I have too much emotional pain I turn it into physical pain by literally beating the crap out of myself and I don't know how to stop or control it, My boyfriend thinks I'm doing it for attention but I'm soooo not I know this is messed up and I've done everything there is to get help but it keeps on happening, I hope you get it all figured out!

[tigerlily87]

I know what you're talking about because I used to do the same thing before.I used to feel so ty about myself , I felt like I needed to punish myself. I think a counsellor is a good idea. Wish I had your strength.best of luck