Phantom pain. Self harm trigger warning

[mummysmagicmedicine]

Sorry I have posted on here to attract more people with experience but I wondered if anyone else had experienced this/knows anything about it.

Many years ago I was in a dark place mentally and used to self harm by cutting myself on my wrists and arms (anywhere below the elbow really)

however when something happens that particularly upsets me/stresses me either at a time that reminds me of how I felt at that time or if something has happened which would’ve triggered me to self harm in the past I sometimes experience phantom pain in my arms around the areas I used to cut that almost feels like I have fresh cuts there and like my arms have been cut.

Has anyone experienced anything like this or know anything about it? I’m not overly concerned by it but upon research nothing came up.

thank you lovelies x

Hi, sorry you’ve been through this, my DD also SH cutting her lower arms and it’s taken me and DH some time to understand the concept of SH but get it now.
i don’t know the answer but suspect it’s psychosomatic, your brain has become sensitive to your internal pain linking it to the cutting perhaps in order to help your mind feel better?
In hope you’re ok and can access help if you need it

you could choose to attribute this to the power of your brain/subconscious. Turn your focus to good things and see how you are experiencing and making them happen already

How interesting!
The nervous system is an amazing thing .. and we still don’t know enough.
I suspect pain pathways were triggered when you physically cut ypuyrsrlf. When you are distressed those same pathways are triggered.. the body and mind are so intertwined we actually cannot separate.
If this is very distressing and occurring frequently pain blockers may help..but sometimes the “cure” is worse than the complaint!
I also wonder about seeing a psychologist EMDR.
Thank you sharing.. I wish you well.

Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to reply, it means so much to me and this has really helped so thank you for helping me understand!