[hocus pocus]

I'm planning to write an article about self-harm and I'd like to quote responses from this thread. I want to show the perspective of people struggling with self-harm. It is also going to show how self-harm is different for everyone. Some people self-harm for the release, or to create physical pain so they can take care of that instead of the emotional pain. What I want to know, is, what does self-harm do for you? Why do you do it? And if you have anything you think would help other people understand self-harm, go ahead and share. Talk about anything you want to.

I have self-harmed for a variety of reasons. Sometimes I use it because that is what keeps me from suicide. Sometimes it is to make me feel or come back to the present when I am dissociative and numb. I've also used it to get rid of a lot of anxious energy. My body is physically dependent on it, and I sometimes feel like there is something crawling under my skin that needs to come out.

Everything will remain anonymous in the article. If you aren't comfortable posting here, you are more than welcome to PM me.