Self harm

[rperrina]

So, I think I'm having some sort of break down...I'm not sat crying all day but I've had a very stressful few weeks and have found some very pent up frustration and the best way I can find to express is it to self harm...either that or hurt someone/something else. In hindsight, I've been self harming for years....I pick scabs on my face until they bleed and then pick again. Have done since I was a young teenager. I've just recently looked into that as I remember someone on the tv talking about picking spots and it's a form of OCD apparently but I'm sure it would come under the self harm umbrella....

If I speak to my doctor, will they refer me to counselling and will it be nhs counselling?

I've got 2 kids and will not let this situation affect them...even if that means not speaking about it for the time being

The best thing you can do for you and your kids is to see your GP and get some help with this. Your GP may well refer you for councelling/cbt, if they are making the referal it will be NHS. In some areas you can self refer to something called iapt which is psychological therapies. There are various different levels of support depending on how severe things are.

For me self harm is a coping mechanism, the urges start when my stress levels are high and ease when the strss levels reduce. I find things like exercise, meditation and mindfulness help me reduce my stress levels.