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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ayesha on November 25, 2002, at 15:45:47
Hi everyone who's reading this and thanks in advance. A long time ago I developed a habit of cutting myself and since then, I have seen various friends that later discovered my problem, go through a phase of cutting themselves too. What I am wondering now, as I feel terrible, is, is it my fault?
Posted by deets on November 25, 2002, at 16:42:01
In reply to Is Self Harm Contagious?, posted by Ayesha on November 25, 2002, at 15:45:47
I used to self-injure as well. As for your friends, it is most definitely NOT your fault! It's a way of coping, as I'm sure you know, and the fact that they do not have other coping skills is not your fault. Plus, chances are, they had heard about si from the media before they heard about it from you. Have you talked to you're therapist about the guilt your experiencing?
Posted by Ayesha on November 25, 2002, at 16:52:33
In reply to Re: Is Self Harm Contagious?, posted by deets on November 25, 2002, at 16:42:01
thanx 4 ur reply
the thing is, some of my friends discovered what I was doing and when I'm around them I seem to be fine, I'm always in a 'good' mood and they think its a wonderful way to cope but its not
I feel like I have mislead them
I have never actually had any therapy because I felt I could make it alone but it bothers me to think others could be affected by what I do
Posted by deets on November 25, 2002, at 18:47:09
In reply to Re: Is Self Harm Contagious?, posted by Ayesha on November 25, 2002, at 16:52:33
If you self-injure and know that it's not a good way to cope, I'm sure that your friends can figure that out as well. But, I do think that maybe you should get some help to deal with this. Help because it would benefit you. I'd be willing to answer any questions you have about therapy.
Posted by Nikita on November 26, 2002, at 12:03:53
In reply to Re: Is Self Harm Contagious?, posted by deets on November 25, 2002, at 18:47:09
If you are looking for some help in this area, I too would like to help. I am currently struggling with cutting and have found what seems to be the right combo of medication and therapy.
You are not responsible for the choices your friends are making. This may sound really crazy, but I would almost be mad at them if I were in your shoes. I consider my cutting to almost be like my own "special" thing. Sounds sick I guess but it's mine. Anyway, they make their own choices and you need to take care of yourself first.
I too thought I could handle the problem on my own. I guess I didn't realize how big of a problem it was. It's a big problem, it's unhealthy, and you can stop. At least I know I'm trying to and am having some success lately. Good luck and let me know if you want to talk any more.
Posted by justyourlaugh on November 26, 2002, at 12:53:07
In reply to Re: Is Self Harm Contagious?- Ayesha, posted by Nikita on November 26, 2002, at 12:03:53
nikita-
hi-i was wondering if you have been labled(bipolar or ocd etc.)
i have started cutting again after 15 years-but stopped now.pdoc thinks its a form of self torture
but it gives me pleasure.-that sounds so morbid.
what meds helped you?
got out of hospital 3 weeks ago for depression-
cant seem to get si off my mind!-its always there.
jyl-
oh yah i pull my hair out instead of cutting now.
mabe i can work my way to nail bitting or something-lol
Posted by Nikita on November 26, 2002, at 13:19:56
In reply to Re: Is Self Harm Contagious?- Ayesha » Nikita, posted by justyourlaugh on November 26, 2002, at 12:55:07
Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder. Finally...the med I found that worked for me the most was Risperdal. I also take Topomax to counter the weight gain of Risperdal since I was freaking out about that. It's really helped stabilize my moods and get a better grasp on reality. I also realized that this was going to take some work. That I was going to have to re-learn my thinking since my problem is perceiving things super negatively, and getting into fits of rage or overwhelming sadness. It's hard to step back and say hey, that's not what that person meant when they said that, but I'm trying.
I know what you mean, when cutting or other self injury is all that makes you feel better. When seeing your own blood is all that calms you down. Sounds like you need a new pdoc. How hold are you jyl? I'm 31. Recently divorced so I think that's really brought me down. Add that to my four year old daughter asking me what happened to my arm or leg or wherever else I cut, it's horrible, humiliating. I try to remember that too. I love the relief after I cut, but I try to remember the shame I feel later, about what I've done to my body, and the scars.
Posted by justyourlaugh on November 26, 2002, at 13:48:36
In reply to Re: Is Self Harm Contagious?- Ayesha, posted by Nikita on November 26, 2002, at 13:19:56
hi
thanksfor the reply-
my computer crashed when i was posting-look how many it posted-lol
i am 33.female with 5 kids-ages 3 to 12.
i dont do a lot of socializing so i keep my scars to myself.my kids dont ask any more about the old ones-hidding the new.
cant hide my hair though..i am a mess-husband didnt even invite me to his work christmas party because of it(i guess)or mabe its because i never go anway?
i dont think my pdoc(he is head pdoc of a large hospital)has a clue what to do with me.
mabe i should tell him everything-but i dont want anymore med changes!
i am on wellbutrin,seroquel and some thyroid stuff.
jyl
Posted by Joel Maxuel on November 27, 2002, at 17:08:25
In reply to Re: Is Self Harm Contagious?- Ayesha » Nikita, posted by justyourlaugh on November 26, 2002, at 13:48:36
I have been into SI for a little over a year now, pulling hair for longer than that. I'm 20, male, and have done some stupid things. Currently there is a pentagram on my lower left arm, the word ENIGMA on my upper left arm, I cut off my (left) nipple a time or two, and I castrated myself (although only the right one, and that was beyond enjoyment, borders on delusion). I have since stopped cutting, for now, however you never know if you are gonna do something like that again. I'm on 3mg of risperdal, 225mg of effexor, 50 or 75 mg of clozaril, 20 minims of cod liver oil, and (3x) calcium and magnesium supplements. None of those drugs appear to be working. I think now I pull hair cosmetically.
Also, I have to agree with Nikita that SI is my own special thing, and wopuld get mad if someone else "slipped up" or ask if they would like me to do something like that to themselves (this did happen). My father gets really angry when he sees my scars, and thats probably the only reason that holds me back from doing it again.
--
Joel Maxuel
ShamelessPlug(http://www.maxuel.ca);
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