Minimal damage

[Empty]

I was reading through the tools of the trade section and found myself wondering something. Am I the only one who, even after years of SI, still chooses to do bruises and shallow cuts that heal with minimal to zero scaring?

Sometimes I feel like I'm not a *real* self injurer because I'm not doing major permanent damage, but I like that by keeping the damage minimal I can avoid medical treatment and avoid being found out.

Am I alone in this? Do I just look like a fake even after all these years??

[something-blue]

I cant really say that im with you on the minimal damage part (subtlety has never been one of my stronger qualities), but that definitely doesnt mean youre not a *real* self harmer.

Theres lots of different types and forms of self harm, but just because you dont leave any "marks" doesnt make it less bad. At all.

So...yeah. You dont look like a fake. :)

[Little Flutterby]

Hun I don't think you're a fake at all. You are still *really* self harming even if it isn't to extremes. I mean there's even times when I've self harmed and it's just been "shallow marks" because i just want to feel not necessarily deeply wound.
I agree with something-blue:
" Theres lots of different types and forms of self harm, but just because you dont leave any "marks" doesnt make it less bad. At all. "
All I'd ask is that when you feel like harming yourself, however you do it, please try and talk to someone or distract yourself. I know it's easier said than done.
Much love and Hugs
:) xxx

[moon_light]

Of course you're not a fake! I feel the same way. I have a real distaste towards scars because of person issues so I always do shallow cuts. I would be beside myself with grief if I gave myself a scar haha so I never dig deep. Sometimes it does make me feel like a "fake" too, but then I realize that's ridiculous and it doesn't matter, anyway. It's not really something to be proud of and it's not a club, it's just me dealing with my problems.

Don't label yourself <3 Don't be sad over being sad haha.

[Empty]

Thanks for the support!

I think part of my fear stems from some of the reactions I've seen on the anorexia section with labeling people wanarexic etc. I know that in those situations I've always taken the "if you're trying to have an eating disorder you're already experience serious problems" but when it's me and SI it somehow is harder to accept that this really is a problem and not something people might be rolling their eyes about.

I am trying to stop, but I feel so addicted :-S

[littlebellalost]

I have used a variety of objects to hurt myself with, but my scars all fade within a short amount of time. I do this only because I do not wish to kill myself by means of cutting, it is merely a coping mechanism. Not every SI-er does it deep or hard. You are not alone if you don't dig deep, and that really is a good thing. When it comes time for you to heal and stop your SI, you probably will heal and stop at a quicker pace than others if you are not too involved in your SI that you need it more than once everyday to keep you in check.

[OzJenj]

I absolutly hate it when people think that just because someone doesn't cut "deep enough" it means they're not a self injurer. It's not true at all! You're still harming yourself aren't you? Cause that makes you a real self injurer. D: *Hugs*

[wntutowntme]

Oh hun!! You are definitely not alone and just because you do minimal damage, you are still a SI - you're here aren't you??

I agree with not wanting to leave permanent marks, because its always such a hassle to explain to the doctor or a bf/gf or whatever.

I have a huge section of about 35 scars on my thigh and its totally outcasted me at the pools and with bf's its such a downer...
Now I just do things that heal quicker so I dont add to the extensive amount that I have

You're still 'one of us' if thats what we'll call it

xxx stay strong xxx

[UsedRomance]

My cuts have always been really shallow, even after 6 years. My scars are very faint and only really visible if you look closely or in certain light. I've always felt like a bit of a failure as a self harmer. When I told an ex about my self-harming he asked to see my scars. I showed him and he said "Oh! That's not real self-harm". Gee, thanks!