Is there something wrong with me if I start self-harming? Not everyone relies on that for coping, so why do I?

There is nothing wrong with you if you self-harm. It is a coping mechanism, and it does not define you as a person. I struggled with this for a long time, and I understand how it can help you overcome your negative feelings, or even help you feel something at all. While you rely on self-harming, others depend on drugs, alcohol, sex, and numerous other things. While yes, you should seek help and try to stop, do not put yourself down for relying on self-harm instead of other activities.

There is nothing wrong with you but self harming is bad for your health, do something you enjoy besides hurting yourself.

There is nothing wrong with you, but I would recommend getting help. Different people cope with situations differently

Every behaviour is done for a reason. If you are self-harming it may mean that your feelings are so difficult that you haven't found a better way to relieve them. Other people may have different coping mechanisms, both positive and self-defeating. It doesn't mean that there's something wrong with you but if it is troubling you, it might be worth seeking support to see if there are other ways you might be able to manage.

Hello! :) I seem to be a little bit confused by you're question, so I'll try to cover as much as I can in my answer! You said 'start' self harming (implying that you currently do not?) but then go on to say that you rely on it for coping. Either way, whether you are currently doing it or not, I want to address that there is nothing 'wrong' with people who self-harm. As you said, people will describe their behaviour as a way of coping with overwhelming feelings. And for some people it becomes addictive, a way of feeling better and re-establishing control over their emotions. It is completely natural to need to express emotion and let out how you feel. However, when it is done through self-harm it isn't the healthiest way to express these emotions- because it is hurting you. Looking to other coping mechanisms such as squeezing a stress ball, snapping a rubber band against your wrist or using a marker to write where you would harm may be of some relief. However, what is most crucial is allowing yourself to talk through the emotions that have become overwhelming, and other emotions before they get to that point!- a support network of family or friends, or seeking therapy from a counsellor can be a way to do this. (Also, coming on to 7cups for a chat!) So to summarise,- lots of people self harm and there isn't anything wrong with you. However, it is important to seek help, to deal with the emotions that have led to this and to hopefully find solutions that can help make you feel better without hurting yourself! Here is a link to some alternative coping mechanisms- (http://www.getconnected.org.uk/mental-health/self-harm/?gclid=CLim0ejb48sCFQccGwodC2wCgw) And here is a video about self harm- http://www.getconnected.org.uk/mental-health/self-harm/?gclid=CLim0ejb48sCFQccGwodC2wCgw Hopefully I've managed to answer your question and I hope that you feel a bit better! If there is anything else feel free to send me a message, Laura :)

You might have the feeling your pain on the inside has to reflect your pain on the inside. There's nothing wrong with you, but there are other ways to cope.

Hey..it certainly doesn't mean that there is something wrong with you if you are using self harm as your coping mechanism. We all have your own ways to vent out our anger, sadness, frustration or any other feeling, right? but yes...this doesn't mean that self is the best choice or the most healthiest one. If you are asking this question, that means that you yourself know that. There are better alternatives out there. I cannot promise that all of them will work for you, but we can try and find a way better way for sure right? It can be anything that you think will make you feel better and bring a smile on your face.

I guess, you would need to find other ways of coping with the pain that you feel. Try channeling it to drawing/painting or art in general.

No, definitely not, everybody copes a different way. Self-harm isn't the answer, but it does happen, it's something you need specific help for by someone who has done it before, but stopped.

Nothing is wrong with you, everyone deals with emotion and stress with different ways. You just need to find a healthier, less destructive way of coping, and there are many other ways, stay strong and keep fighting!