Is anyone else struggling with this? Please help... (Moved from Teens)

[SamKenney]

I have struggled with cutting/self injury since I was 12. I am now 18. I know that it is a sin and I need to stop, but I don't know how. I have prayed and asked for advice from friends, but i've never been able to put down the blade for longer than 7 months...that's my record so far. Does anyone else have a problem with this? If so, any advice? Please help...

 

[ks777]

Wow, I feel sad for you. Sorry, I can't help.. I recommend seeing a qualified counsiler or something.

There were people in my school that cut themself too, I could never understand why. Why do YOU do it? is it to get an adreneline rush or something? I don't know, can you find a substitute that gives you the same feeling that doesn't require you doing harm to yourself?

Unless you're asking for prayer, I don't think there's too many people here that are trained in this area to help...

I'm more interested though in what makes you want to do it?

 

[ks777]

Just realised there's a self injury support board or something like that, you may be able to find comfort in some of those posts by people who are going through the same thing

Self-Injury Support - Christian Forums

 

[solarwave]

Welcome to the Forum,

Sorry, I can't say I know what that is like. Do you mind me asking why you do it if it isn't too personal?

I would say to go to the link above. Maybe you could find someone who you would have to tell everytime you did it and so if it is someone you wouldn't want to tell then you wouldn't want to do it.

Obviously I don't know the reason behind it, but with God you can overcome it. Try praying when you think about it and know the Holy Spirit is within you. You are God's daughter and your fulfillment and joy can found fulling in Him.

 

[HarborOrange]

I've never dealt with the issue you are facing, and I'm sorry to say I do not know what it is like. However, I have dealt with extreme depression, mainly when my brother was facing death, and I was constantly sick, I just wanted to die. So, I think maybe I can relate to the mentality you have when you cut.
Basically, the only thing that snapped me out of depression was trust.
Trust G-d, there's no point in cutting when he's with you.
"Only fear denies faith."

 

[MissElizabeth]

Hi Sam,
Im so sorry to hear the trouble you are going through, but like the rest, I cant really relate to it. I think the advise that solarwave and HarborOrange said is very good though. God is the best way to really help you. Try payer and reading the Bible when your having a low.
God bless!

 

[Cra1g]

Hi Sam,
I can't say that I ever harmed myself, but I did suffer from some quite major depression and suicidal thoughts and attempts between the ages of 14 and 18. I still get depressed from time to time but I am sure that is just the normal ups and downs of life.

The advice I give to you is try to talk to any close friends you have about this, I also strongly suggest you talk to a councilsor. They will point you in the right direction. These feelings will eventually fade, and you will feel better.

How do you feel exactly when you cut? Is there anything specific that comes to mind?

 

[SamKenney]

I've never really been able to put into words why I cut. I guess it's the only pain that I like to feel. For years, it has been my escape. I went 21 days without cutting, but that was all ruined yesterday. I felt hurt, betrayed, forgotten. I have told 3 very close friends and they try to hold me accountable, but none of them really understand. I can't talk to a counseler because that would mean involving my parents. I can't do that... It would kill them. I would rather go on hurting myself then bring them pain. I guess cutting is just a way to make this pain something I can handle. Physical pain has never really affected me much, so it's easier to handle. I know I can stop. I know I will stop. It's just really difficult...

 

[fm107]

Hi Sam,

We all have our weaknesses, some people are more prone to stealing things, others are more prone to lustful things and so on.

Your weakness seems to be self harm. You'll find you are strong in other areas for example, drinking.

Satan won't bother tempt you into doing something he knows you are not weak at. Satan is very smart and he knows our weaknesses. But so does God. If you feel an urge to cut yourself, try to notice that your feeling the temptation and pray to the Lord Jesus. He was tempted too and he knows what it's like so he can and is willing to help you if you put your faith in him.

Hebrews 2:18-19
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Take one day at a time.

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Every Christian has their own weaknesses and we all struggle with one thing or another so you are no different to me or the Christian next to you. But we as Christian's do need to try and win these battles of temptation. And when we do overcome temptation, God sees that and he blesses you.

1 Peter 5:9
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

James 4:7
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Have faith, try to stay close to God. Say little prayers to him in your head throughout the day, it can just be a couple of words, like thank you for this or that. If we keep God at the forefront of our minds it will not be so hard to avoid temptation.

Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

I hope this helps you in some measure. Take care my sister.

 

[Turtle Dove]

I am very sorry to hear that you are struggling with this addiction. I have a daughter a little older than you that did this for years. We found out that there is a reason why you are doing this. A deeper issue that has effected you mentally. Ours was finding out she was being abused. Your subcontious lashes out with guilt, pain and pleasure from doing what you are doing. I am not sure if you have health insurance. I would highly suggest that you look on the internet for free or subsidius counseling. My daughter did it for 4 years until she finally dealt with her demons. Now she is happy and engaged with a baby boy. She has one regret, that she never did it because of the nasty scares all over her arms and legs. I will pray for you and I send my love your way. Hun you do need to get help seek out some counseling. This is an addiction and you will need help to stop. Keep your faith in the Lord. He will help you find the right path you so desperately need. If you ever need to talk you can send me a message. With lots of care and prayers you will beat this. Your sister in Christ

 

[Turtle Dove]

Yes, you can get counseling with out involving your parents. You are 18 years old right? Get your head straight keep in the word and when you are ready you can involve your parents. They might surprise you. My daughter thought the same way you do. We shocked her and stood by her side now for the last 5 years. Your sister in Christ

 

[JeannieLee]

I can't relate to your experience, but I do have a little insight into this disorder, a long with other disorders..

I do understand that self inflicted pain is usually due to a person's inability to cope with pain or anger.. The only way to solve this in my mind is to get to the root of YOUR problem, because not all of us are alike.. Not all of us grew up like you, not all of us has dealt with what you deal with.. So I think you need to see a psychiatrist, and if you are 18 you are old enough to go to one without your parents knowing.. At least you can get to the root of this problem so you can present it to your parents without them getting defensive, because they are going to be the first to be looked at as root of this behavior.. I'm sure this is going to be something that you and your family are going to have to deal with and heal from.. But right now, you need to know why you do this, and how to heal from this.. Knowledge is Power.. So I suggest you start studying about why people cut.. Search for help online, programs for teens who cut..

While you are doing these things, search for God.. Decide if you are ready to be a Disciple of Christ, if you are ready to give your life to Him.. Surrender your weakness, surrender your life, pick up your Cross and Follow him.. You can't say to the Lord, I believe in you and be Saved.. You have to surrender your being, your soul, and all its earthly desires.. And He will begin to transform you into a beautiful image in likeness of Himself.. You will begin to radiate the beauty and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.. What better way to heal yourself of this horrible torment than to listen to your God Given Conscience.. Your guide, The Holy Spirit!!

I would say, this is an opportunity to seek God, let him heal you, educate yourself, so that YOU can helps all God's children who are faced with the exact situation you are facing.. Because Sam, I don't know any people who are Self Mutilation Activists, and I know in this day in age.. We need people like you!!!

God Bless you Sam, and always know I'm here.. I have faith in you, and so does God..

My prayer to you!!

May the Blessings of God be upon you,
May His Peace abide in you,
May His presence Illuminate your heart,
Now and forever more, Amen....

 

[solarwave]

I was also going to say that there must be issue behind it all and that is what needs to be fixed. Turtle Dove's and JeannieLee's advice is probably good. You may not want to involve your parents because it will hurt them and even if that is true would they not want you to have help and be healthy than do nothing. They would understand, life is hard and things happen.

Either way, maybe you could tell someone (an adult) at your church? I don't know the reason behind it, but Im sure knowing your identity in God and that He can be trusted in all things would help.

 

[driewerf]

I have struggled with cutting/self injury since I was 12. I am now 18. I know that it is a sin and I need to stop, but I don't know how. I have prayed and asked for advice from friends, but i've never been able to put down the blade for longer than 7 months...that's my record so far. Does anyone else have a problem with this? If so, any advice? Please help...

Dear Sam,

Let me be clear about a few things: cutting is not a problem because it would be a sin, but because it is dammaging yourself, makes the risk for infections bigger etc.
In many cases, cutting yourself is a symptom of some deeper trouble. Sexual abuse being a very common one, though there are many other possibilities. I can't speak for you, but you 'd better look inside to see what you deeper problem is and fix that. That's certainly not easy, might even take years, but in the long run, it is the only option.
I'm quite sure that in the US psychologists or other professional helpers are bound to keep their patient's secret. As your 18 it's even forbidden for them to speak to your parents without your consent. (Of course, there is the financial problem.)

Seek help. Professional help. Fix your problems. I know it is much easier to say this than to do it, but it is the best advice I can give you.

Don't do it for a god, but do it for yourself. You're young, life only begins. o your really see doing this your whole life? And do you think these cuttings make you attractive for the opposite sex?

You see, you have much to win, and nothing to lose.Think this carefully through.

 

[SamKenney]

Thank you all for your advice and prayers. They are very appreciated, and needed. I AM a Christian. I was saved when I was 5 years old. I honestly don't think I would care if I cut if I wasn't. I know that I am dissappointing Him, and that kills me. Then again, sometimes I cut because of a sin. I'm so ashamed and mad at myself, I feel like I need to punish myself. Most of the time, it's because i'm hurt and the only way I can express it without hurting others is to hurt myself. Physical pain is so much easier to handle. I hate that I'm this weak... I hate that I can't handle things better. This hate can cause the cutting as well... It's a vicious cycle that i'm stuck in. I need to get out. I need to be free. I know that I need to lean on God. I know that He is my escape, but it's so hard to give up what's been my crutch for so long. I know that this is something I need to figure out, but your thoughts and prayers are really appreciated. Thank you all and God bless. I will keep you updated... Please keep praying.

 

[JeannieLee]

Sam, do you think you or your parents have put too much pressure on you?? Do you know how loving and forgiving God is?? Do you know that He loves you sooooo much He takes great delight in you, though you are a sinner, like us all.. He loves you so much that he suffers for YOU, and ME every step we take.. Sam, your guilt will eat you alive.. How are you going to progress with God, if you do not know His Radical Love, and that HE FORGIVES YOU, IF ONLY YOU ASK AND REPENT.. He will forgive you over and over again, you just have to be ably to move on from that point and forgive yourself.. Only He can set you free!! Have faith that He awaits your every motion towards Him!!

I want to share with you something that gave me great strength to keep going, and seeking His Kingdom..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

 

[SamKenney]

Yes, I know that I put too much pressure on myself. I always have. Probably always will. I take everyone elses failures personally. I punish myself when someone I know messes up. I've always made myself think that it's my responsibility to make sure everyone else is ok. It kills me when someone I know starts messing up. It's 10 times worse when I'm the one. I hate disappointing people. I hate disappointing God. I know how loving and forgiving He is. But I also know that what I am doing is sinning. I have experienced how great his love is. I know that he wants me to be happier and more content Him. He wants me to give up my addiction and lean on Him completely. But that is so hard to do...

 

[JeannieLee]

I want you to call this place:

S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self Abuse Finally Ends)
at 1-800-DONTCUT (800-366-8288).
Self Injury

Explain to them your situation, and ask what options you have to get help in your situation.. I will be here if you ever need me, let me know how it goes.. You can do this, take a deep breath, say thank you Jesus, and step forward, its time to start a new life..

God Bless!

 

[Leftover Crack]

Also I have gone through this before its a nasty habit I dont know exactly what you are going threw but I can asume something bad has happend and I want to let you know that I am sorry for what ever has happend to you and again if you need some one to talk to just message me on here

 

[sentimental]

Hello, I understand your struggle with cutting yourself (if your are still struggling). The way I stopped was because I started growing spiritually and through Christian counseling, but I did a whole lot of crying along the process. God brought people in my life to encourage me and support me. I recommend getting Christian counseling and not being afraid to tell people that you know care about you, about your struggle. I also encourage you to remember that the Bible says that God will never leave you or forsake you, He loves you very much, more than any sparrow.