advertisement
Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
maybeblue
Grand Member
maybeblue has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 816
5 yr Member
70 hugs
given
Default Aug 06, 2019 at 04:13 PM
  #1
Do you think there has to be a minimum amount of damage/pain to be considered "self-harm"? Is it the intent that matters? When someone bangs a fist on a table because they are angry is that self-harm? How about pinching yourself to keep yourself awake?

I guess the reason I ask is because I'm trying DBT...and yes, self-harm is one of the things that I want to stop. To be honest it isn't even in the top 10, but DBT therapists seem to be big on stopping it. My self-harm is usually very mild. I'll stick a paperclip into my skin just until it hurts a little, but not enough to break the skin. Today I banged my head against the wall. It didn't hurt. It didn't even hurt afterwards even when I pushed on it.

I just don't know if that "counts." I don't want to write it down if it doesn't count because she's kind of a jerk sometimes. But I don't really want to lie either.

I have self-harmed where I break the skin or bruise myself, and I would definitely count that, but it seems like kind of a grey line to me.
maybeblue is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
SlumberKitty
Legendary Wise Elder
 
SlumberKitty's Avatar
SlumberKitty is staying stable.
 
Member Since: Jul 2018
Location: CA
Posts: 27,329 (SuperPoster!)
5 yr Member
117.7k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Aug 06, 2019 at 04:44 PM
  #2
I don't know what qualifies for DBT. For myself I think it depends on the intent behind it or the emotion behind it. Did you mean to hurt yourself when you banged your head? Even though it didn't hurt, did you do it with the intent to hurt yourself and make yourself feel better. If so that is probably SH. I don't think there has to be a bruise or there has to be a break in the skin. I don't think pinching yourself to stay awake is SH but that is just IMHO.

__________________
Dum Spiro Spero
IC XC NIKA
SlumberKitty is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
maybeblue
Grand Member
maybeblue has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 816
5 yr Member
70 hugs
given
Default Aug 06, 2019 at 08:22 PM
  #3
Yeah...I probably did it to make myself feel better. It was probably self-harm. I don't feel particularly guilty about it. I did agree to try to stop doing it, but it isn't my top priority. I'm trying to decide if I will feel more guilty about not disclosing it or shame for disclosing it. I also tried a lot of things before resorting to it.
maybeblue is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:16 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.



 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.