Posted by B2chica on September 19, 2007, at 8:26:26
In reply to Re: SI triggers, but good news » LlurpsieNoodle, posted by cactus on September 19, 2007, at 2:52:43
Hi Cactus
i have been a pretty nasty cutter in the past, but have been pretty good since my little one was born.i think it really depends on the personality of people. for me only a T asking me not to cut had any relevance, and even then sometimes i did it anyway.
HOWEVER:
1. its worth a try, if you have a good relationship with your sister. just express to her how much you are worried about her and how her hurting herself worries you.
DONT try to play guilt, dont tell her that her hurting herself make you feel bad, sometimes that can trigger or make worse. make sure its about her.2. also tell her that she needs to learn WHAT triggers her to cut....keep a log of when and why she cuts... maybe finding triggers can help?
3. Try giving her suggestions of alternatives to cutting.
here are several things that i've done or i've been told to try.
a. exercise (hard)
b. journal-get VERY descriptive of emotions or even what she wants to do to self-harm
c. creative outlet such as drawing, painting, poetry...
d. put it off hour by hour, minute by minute depending on needs. (tell yourself, "it's 3:02, i wont cut till 3:12, then at 3:12 push it to 3:22...etc. or as needed)
e. instead of cutting, paint on body over area of (harm).
f. instead of cutting, try holding ice TIGHTLY in your hand...as long as you can. (this actually freaking hurts, and surprisingly the nurses at the hospital suggested it.)
g. and last but NOT least, if she can't stop cutting. make sure that she is taking care of her wounds. keep the tool clean, clean wounds and cover them so not to get infected. AND if she needs medical attention, make sure she knows to get it. Advocate for her, tell her you will go with her if needed.
h. try asking her if there's anything YOU can do to help her.
i. make sure she knows you are there...anytime.
if i think of anything else i'll let you know.and cactus, take care of yourself too. remember the decisions your sister make are hers, good or bad. you need to take care of yourself first...and then be there for others.
(i wish dearly i had a sister like you)
b2c.
poster:B2chica
thread:783794
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070916/msgs/783885.html