Posted by Mair on January 4, 2002, at 22:18:21
In reply to What is an ex-cutter to do?, posted by Dinah on January 4, 2002, at 20:20:39
Dinah - I"ve cut myself but not enough to legitimately call myself a cutter or an ex-cutter for that matter. I do know that I once quit smoking and then started up again after my internist intoned that I could never have another cigarette for the rest of my life. I think this is the wisdom of the "never say never" expression. I eventually quit again but it took a few years. What always helped me at least in the beginning was continually telling myself that I hadn't really quit at all, but rather chose not to have a cigarette at whatever moment I had the urge. I always left open for myself the possibility that i would have a cigarette later on - just not at that moment. After I had quit for awhile it became more useful for me to tell myself that i was no longer a smoker, and to imagine myself in that light, but i don't think that would have worked for me in the beginning.
It's been some years since I last cut myself but even now i get urges to hurt myself that seem incredibly powerful. In my mind it takes a conscious act of will not to act on them. I know it's probably a different animal from smoking, but maybe it would be helpful to avoid the pressure of continually thinking that you can't ever do this to yourself again. Also I don't think you should be freaked out if you slip every now and then. Just forgive yourself and keep trying.
Mair
poster:Mair
thread:16302
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020102/msgs/16305.html