I self harmed for about 6 years, it started off because I always thought I wasn't good enough, then when I got older my best friend had killed himself, since that day it made me realize that if I were to kill myself I wouldn't only be hurting me, but hurting every one else.

If you're feeling especially incomplete, hollow, please don't cut. Or burn. Write a poem, draw a picture. Talk to a friend, or talk to a piece of paper (metaphor-write on it lawl). Write a letter to somebody who made you upset or who you think is beautiful and talented and might not get the praise he/she deserves...it doesn't matter if you'll never end up sending it. It'll relieve some stress and/or the urge to self-injure. Keep your head up. Don't let people push you around. Be who you are. Do what you love to do. Love yourself, and know that you're ultimately a strong, lovable, and wonderful person. I believe in you. I love you. And, together, we can overcome this insanely difficult time in our lives. Trust me, I've been there. Honestly? I AM there, right now. Believe in yourself.

If you struggle with self harm or depression, try reading. It may sounds stupid at first, but just try it. :) It saved my life, and it may help you too.

It's been three months and almost two weeks since I've self-harmed. This is the longest I've ever gone without it since I started. I still get urges, but I've learned that the urges do NOT control what I do. I do not have to self-harm just because I feel like I do. I can learn to cope, express my emotions, and wait through the urges. I won't lie and say it's easier, because for me, it's not yet. It's still a day to day struggle to remind myself that self-harm is not the solution. It's something I have to deal with and cope with in a healthy way, and eventually the urges will start to fade just like the scars.

I find it helps to take your hand and rub/massage the spot you want to self-harm.

I am 53years old and started to self harm at 45 I have been clean (and I say clean because self harm is an addiction) for 4 years.

I've learned that at times I'm able to cope by taking every reason that's eating at me, writing it on paper, and burning the paper.

This sounds kinda silly but a new technique that I seem to have adopted when trying to fight the urge to self-harm

I think I understand what ur going through. Ur NOT alone. Ur NOT crazy,

Opening up can be really scary sometimes...trust me!

Take all of the energy that was going into SI and put it into something else, something that you can put your whole self into.

I found that yoga helps. I go to yoga a few times a week and each