Posted by Klokka on July 29, 2004, at 18:04:54
In reply to stopping SI (may trigger), posted by rubenstein on July 29, 2004, at 13:05:06
Hi Rubenstein, and welcome. It does take a lot of courage to talk about it, even in a setting where it wouldn't be seen as odd. (For lack of a better way of putting that.) I remember it took me a couple of months before I could tell my pdoc I did it, even though he immediately struck me as trustworthy. Thank you for posting and I hope you stick around - Babble's a great place for support.
I haven't been able to stop entirely, but have gone for a month or two at a time without. I don't know whether these will help you, because different things work for different people, but here's a few things which have helped me (some were also posted by B2chica):
Keeping an out whenever possible when a situation looks like it might be triggering. This isn't always possible, but it can give a sense of control over the situation and offer another option if you really can't remain in it.
I find exercise is great when I'm feeling agitated. What I find helps is working out to the point where I just feel like curling up and sleeping afterwards.
Writing is definitely a good idea, because it not only allows you to vent, but provides a record you can check for patterns. Full-out venting is good, and, if it doesn't frustrate you too much, trying to use a form for poetry can serve as a distraction. As with all else, see what works for you. Sometimes it helps to address it to someone, even if you won't actually send it to them.
Caring for pets, if you have any.
If you can, wait it out a bit at a time. The feeling may pass, but even if not I find it helps to break the cycle a little. Try very small intervals if you need to to keep from feeling overwhelmed. Sleep is also good for this, if you can manage it.
If any others come to mind, I'll let you know. This is largely based on my own experience, so your mileage may (will, probably) vary. Hopefully something here's been helpful. Above all, try and see what works for you and whether different things are better for certain situations. Don't try and force yourself past your limits; as B2chica said, it's important to take things one day at a time. Progress can be very slow and painful - I know that even when I went without for a while, I found it so hard to come up with other ways of coping with pain.
Take care, and hope to see you around here!
poster:Klokka
thread:372054
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040728/msgs/372133.html