Self Harm?

[AirieFairy]

I'm a mum to two kids 2 and 4. There are occasions when I get so stressed out with them that I feel like I can't cope and I've started hitting myself in the head. This isn't regular, only once or twice a month but I've just done it really hurt myself this time. I've never considered myself a self harmer (being well beyond my teenage years) but I'm now recognising that I'm not coping with stressful situations very well. Does anyone else do this? I'm not sure what to do.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

How would you feel about speaking to your gp?

I'm well experienced in this. If you search a bit further down you might find my thread about stuff people have suggested that might help to do instead.

[AirieFairy]

Thanks for your reply. I will have a look at your thread. Won't go to the gp about it as I feel silly and I'm not sure they'll take me seriously. My husband doesn't even know about. It's hard to say I could try a different tactic because it seems to happen so quickly. It's not like I plan to do it, I just get so stressed and angry I lash out at myself.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

There is a great bit on the national self harm network website which lists alternatives. It's sorted into feelings though - stuff to do if you're angry/upset/lonely/need comfort etc. I find that really helpful.

Would it help to talk about it, do you think?

[AirieFairy]

Maybe. I don't know. I just need to learn how to control the feelings. They just build up inside of me I don't know what to do with myself. Hitting myself seems to help me direct the anger plus it's stops me losing it with my children. I would never hit them but sometimes I feel like I want to so I do it to myself instead.

[pieceofpurplesky]

I am a self harmed. Have had the worst year of my life and have returned to how I used to cope. I hair pull, bang head and cut. All to a pretty serious level.

It's a control thing.
You have my ear OP, ask any specifics as I don't know what you want to hear.

[AirieFairy]

Thank you. I guess I need to know how to stop it. It's migrated from smashing up my house which I used to do and it always ended up in something broken and now I'm so desperate not to break anything or wreak my house that the only thing I can do is self harm. Is it better for me to go crazy on the house? (Managed to bust my washing machine once).
It's so weird that it almost doesn't hurt when I hit myself it's like I can't feel it so I just keep hitting till it hurts enough for me to stop. Is that how it works with you? I'm a bit confused as I've only just realised it's an issue tonight so not sure what to think.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

Could you get some ice in to chew? That, and running my hands under cold water hurt "enough" when I'm feeling angry. Also fill if a rubber band against bare skin.

Remembering to breathe out as well helps.

[pieceofpurplesky]

For me it's a control thing / control over pain. I can cause it nobody else. The first step to stopping is admitting there is an issue. Counselling in the last year has helped me. Get help - you have taken the biggest step

[Cakeandcoffeea]

I do this too. I feel you’re pain. Would never hurt my little ones ever. So the frustration goes to myself. Usually a head punch in the forehead. Man it hurts but it does make me feel better but really silly too. It’s only ever happened a few times. I thought it was normal to be honest