Preventing a relapse

[Cait22]

I'm currently over 9 months clean from self-harm, but lately I've had many ptsd triggers and it's all I've thought about. I've been sure to keep myself safe by alerting my partner, and removing any object that I could use from the house. I'm doing quite well managing these thoughts, but I was wondering if anyone feels the same sometimes? The ideation of the feelings you used to have, but no need to recreate them if it makes sense?

[Sophie_M]

Hi Cait22,

Sounds like you are doing a really good job keeping yourself safe. It takes a lot of courage and strength to reach out for support and we are so glad that you have done so. We hope that you can get some support here, the community will be here to listen and chat with you. You can also reach out to Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline 13 11 14 for support.

[geoff]

Hello Cait, and a very warm welcome to the site.

You have done extremely well to be 9 months clean from self-harm and should be congratulated, unfortunately, with any type of depression there can be a relapse, big or small that could be triggered from previous experiences, although I'm not a doctor, I've had a few myself.

Removing any object that may harm you is a great start, but I wonder whether you could write down some triggers that haven't actually been discussed with your doctor/psychologist, then once you can talk about them they will provide different solutions that will enable you to cope if these situations suddenly happen.

It's very difficult to do this by yourself and if you do decide to seek help, ask your doctor about the 'mental health plan', this enables 10 Medicare paid sessions you don't have to pay.

Would love to hear back from you.

Geoff.