Why would someone in her late 20s cut herself?
I mean there are better ways to cope
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mljenkins · 51-55, F
There are better ways to cope, but perhaps she has not learned those ways yet. Perhaps she cannot see past her pain enough to to do something else about it. Cutting is an addiction of sorts as well, one could get very caught up in it. Speaking from experience, I was never trying to kill myself, sometimes I just needed to bleed, sometimes I needed to feel the stinging, and sometimes I just needed to destroy.
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When and how did you stop?
mljenkins · 51-55, F
@MissingNotes: I stopped only a few years ago, but I must admit occasionally I think about it still. And the scars are a daily reminder of how I used to cope. I am not an alcoholic but I went yo AA and working a 12 step program really opened my eyes. I used to just be sad and took no responsibility for it but now I realize that if I am sad it is a choice I make to be sad and I can change my mind and choose to feel some other way.
The point is I learned that I held all the power over my thoughts, feelings, and choices, they are all my choices. That was a game changer for me because before that my life just kind of happened to me. And I cut. Now I know cutting is a choice and not a compulsion. 12 step programs are great if you work them and there is much to be gained by working a program, it changed my life. I don't go to meetings any more, I took what I needed and that is what it is all about.
I would say I quit cutting in my mid to late 30's, but perhaps you can help your friend and she doesn't have to suffer for so long. Good luck.
The point is I learned that I held all the power over my thoughts, feelings, and choices, they are all my choices. That was a game changer for me because before that my life just kind of happened to me. And I cut. Now I know cutting is a choice and not a compulsion. 12 step programs are great if you work them and there is much to be gained by working a program, it changed my life. I don't go to meetings any more, I took what I needed and that is what it is all about.
I would say I quit cutting in my mid to late 30's, but perhaps you can help your friend and she doesn't have to suffer for so long. Good luck.
SW-User
Thank you...and well done. I applaud you for being this strong and brave xx