Hi chookanator, I too have gone down the path of self-harm and did so for many years but its been over 5 years since I've been tempted so there definitely is light at the end of the tunnel. There is so many other ways to express yourself that you may even find a passion in. I've had many reactions from people as to why I self harm. My parents thought it was attention seeking and hormones, my counsellor thought it was stress from school. I had one friend mention that it looked like a dog attacked me and not self harm and that I was stupid for doing it because our other friend had more of a reason to do it. That was by far the silliest thing I've ever heard to this day. For 1 no one has more right over anything else when it comes to how you feel. 2 there should be no reason to self harm But if only it was that simple. I found what helped me was starting to help look after friends kids and helping in my church nursery, I decided that I didn't want them around that. So whenever I felt like hurting myself I would go and take care of someone else. I'm not going to say chin up, it'll get better because that's too simple and easy to say. What I will say is how strong you are to come on here and just by doing that you want to help yourself. And like Gail said you're aware that's it's not helping so keep up that thinking and good luck ... View more

hi chookanator300   i'm so glad you found us all here at reachout.com ! i think it's very brave of you to be so young yet strong & confident enough to talk about something that's very sensitive for you.  i can't imagine how uncomfortable that experience was for you and how it's impacted your life on top of everything else. it's good to hear that you were able to access help that enabled you to cope and deal with the situation in a healthy way.  i've tried meditating and it's very soothing. i don't often get the chance (i mean, i have the time, i just don't take the time for it) to just relax. although listening to music or playing the piano normally does it for me. just to let my mind drift a bit and not have to worry or stress about whatever it is.   sounds like u don't wanna disappoint ur mum :) you sound like a very generous person (putting others first !!!) take care of yourself cause you're just as special. do it for yourself so that you can be happy :) and hopefully everyone else around you will be happy too   take care :)   ... View more