temptation

[romans82628]

I haven't self injured in over a year but at times still have such a temptation to do so. Images and words come into my head and it is so upsetting. I know it is my choice to give in or not and I choose never to again so I just don't know why these temptations haven't stopped or at least reduced considerably more than they have. I think about the verses in James 1:14-15 saying we are tempted by our own desires and it disgusts me that my desires and heart are still so evil. It really seems I have not overcome this sin if I still struggle in my mind so much, and I wonder if I ever will.

I was just wondering from those who have stopped self-injury, do they still have strong temptations or images or words about doing it in their mind, or when did they stop having these, and how?

 

[Everlasting33]

I haven't self injured in over a year but at times still have such a temptation to do so. Images and words come into my head and it is so upsetting. I know it is my choice to give in or not and I choose never to again so I just don't know why these temptations haven't stopped or at least reduced considerably more than they have. I think about the verses in James 1:14-15 saying we are tempted by our own desires and it disgusts me that my desires and heart are still so evil. It really seems I have not overcome this sin if I still struggle in my mind so much, and I wonder if I ever will.

I was just wondering from those who have stopped self-injury, do they still have strong temptations or images or words about doing it in their mind, or when did they stop having these, and how?

First off, welcome to the forum and I hope you enjoy your stay!

Secondly, congrats on being able to overcome such a painful and destructive habit that has enslaved and hurt many. With that being said, I believe it is only normal to still have the temptation from time to time. Depending on the severity and length of your self-injury, thoughts and feelings may still linger for years. But I believe the most important thing to remember is that we do not dwell on those thoughts and feelings.

For me, I decided to quit (self injury) cold turkey and it was a true and difficult challenge. It was such a challenge because I had to meet daily demands and stressors without falling back on the habit of self-injury. But whenever I wanted to cut I would take out my pledge that I made to myself and to God...a pledge that promised I would never cut again. I would also tell myself outloud "You have beaten this and you will not cut. You have made it this far and you will continue to make it." Reaffirming your own courage and strength can be refreshing and definitely beneficial.

I would suggest that you do not dwell on the occasional thoughts of self-injury, but that you would talk back to any stubborn thought or feeling. You have to remember what you are fighting for: the joy and happiness that comes from knowing that you can meet life demands and stressors without self-destuctive habits. You have succeeded in doing so for a year and I have no doubt that you have the strength and ability to add additional years~!


* I do not know when exactly my thoughts and feelings of self-injury vanished but I believe it was after a year. The way I like to look at it is: there was a life before self-injury and there can be a life after it...and without the thoughts and feelings. Do not give up!

 

[HolyOne87]

I have had similar to you Romans.
I've been SI free for 7-8 months, but still get tempted. Sometimes it is hard to keep away the thoughts, especially when things aren't going so well.
They do go away, in time, im sure. I've heard from people that the temptation does go away. For others, it goes away, and sometimes comes back at weird moments.
Just keep fighting. Sometimes it can become easier and easier to not SI...although sometimes the temptation is there, you will be strong enough to fight it away and continue moving forward.