Trigger warning self harm chat

[gratitudegirl]

Please please don't read if this is a tough topic. I don't want to upset or trigger anyone.

I self harm because I hate life. Giving myself physical pain soothes my mental pain for a few moments. This is only for me, I don't recommend it to anyone at all. It's my stupid coping mechanism.

Anyway, my mum thinks it's for attention anytime she's gotten a glimpse. This has always upset me and I do my best to hide anything and everything. How do I explain to someone that it's not for attention.

Sorry if this post is deemed not acceptable for the site. Please feel free to delete mums net if it's not allowed. I just didn't know where you ask. Thank you

I didnt want to read and run. I dont understand self harm so I'm not going to comment. But are you getting help? I know you say you hate life, are you getting any help to try and find a way to not feel like that?

I don't know if you can explain it to her, if she's not willing to accept it.
Do you live with your mum?
This and many other sources online explain that it's not about attention seeking, would she be willing to read up on it?
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/truth-about-self-harm

Are you getting any help? Do you have anyone you can talk to about it and about other things that bother you?

You don't, because you can't. Some people dismiss all and any mental health issues. Some people take YOUR self harm as a personal affront. It's pointless.

What I would advise is, seek help with your GP. Try some of the techniques to redirect your attention/behaviours (like ice cubes, or snapping a rubber band on your wrist instead). Whatever your method just make sure you are as safe as possible, keep it clean (if it applies) and don't hesitate to seek help if you go overboard.

@gratitudegirl

I understand where you are coming from. I would keep it from my dm too, because it would upset her, and then she'd be asking "have you done it again?" and checking.

This is what I wrote to someone once, I don't know if this would be helpful in speaking to your dm:

It's about control for me. At that moment I feel I have no control over anything that matters and my body is the one thing I have control over. By causing damage, big or little that is me showing that I have control over the one thing I feel I am in charge of that doesn't hurt anyone else.
And it's also frustration. Other people might punch a wall, or break a plate or throw something. People see that, and wouldn't say that is for attention, would they? Yet it's a far bigger attention getter than what I do.
The last thing I want is attention for it. I don't want you to mention it because then I feel guilty for upsetting you and scared because you have seen my vulnerability. That brings my mood down further and makes it more likely I will do it again.
What I'd like you to do if you see that I have been harming is not mention it unless I bring it up first. Offer me a drink, or a biscuit, ask if I'm okay, or want to talk about anything, but don't press when I say no. Just sit with me and wait, maybe talk about something else. I may talk to you; I may not, but you being there makes a difference.