Would you and how to tell your GP you self harm?

[LJpd81]

Recently I have been self harming. Im not sure if I'm allowed to say how though. Should I tell my doctor? And if I do , how do I tell her? She is quite approachable and lovely. The idea of telling her that I S/H, fills me with so much anxiety! How do I blurt that out? What would she do? I already am booked for 6 psychologist appointments and I have written it down as one of my reasons for attending. Any advice please?

Thanks very much.

[LJpd81]

Thank you for that information. I understand the position the person on the phone would be in. I definitely am safe. Yes I self harm and keep having urges. But I'm safe and will never hurt myself further or do anything stupid. Well more stupid than S/h. I'm self harming in 2 ways actually. This will be an issue I will bring up with my psychologist when I go. As it concerns me and I don't feel normal.

I do like the idea of phone counsellors and more than likely, will utilise the service again. The guy I talked to was super nice and gentle.

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much. I will definitely be careful. I feel I've mentioned it too much here. I want to feel safe and that I can trust someone I talk to on the phone.

[LJpd81]

In regards to my question in my post, I've decided that I will write a letter to my doctor and describe how I've been feeling and SH etc. I feel if I go to say something, I will back out and say nothing. If I hand her a letter, I will have no choice but for my doctor to know and her to read it. My appointment is Tuesday morning. Hoping I feel better by talking to her.

I feel guilty I'm hiding this from my husband and family. No one knows I SH except my best friend. My husband knows I have been sad and anxious but not about my S/H. And my family knows nothing, but sees me as happy Louise.

I think for my doctor to know will be a relief.

[LJpd81]

Hi today when I was out at trampoline world with my niece's and nephew's and sister and brother in law, my 4 year old niece fell over and hurt her wrist. We thought she was ok, but it's a fracture. Her mum, (my other sister) took her to hospital and it's fractured.
I feel so guilty, as myself and my other sister were babysitting my niece's. I feel terrible as under our care. It was an accident of course.
When I heard it was a fracture, I was teary, still am and feel it's my fault. What did I do, but self harm, as I felt I deserved it. I felt I deserved to hurt.

I am not normal. That's not a normal reaction. Earlier this year or last year, I would have never guessed, I'd do this. I used to be happy.
Don't worry, I am safe.
Louise

[Rupes79]

That’s a good idea Louise. Whatever you’re comfortable with. Your husband and family will know when you’re strong enough to tell them.

For now confide in your doctor and let them use their expertise to guide you.

All the best and do let us know how you get on.

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much. Appreciate that. It's hard to say it out loud

[Sophie_M]

Hey Louise,

We are so sorry to hear what happened to your niece today, and that you felt the need to punish yourself by self-harming. We can hear how upset you must be feeling, and please know that our community are here to listen and offer their kind support to you during this difficult time. We are also currently reaching out to you via email to offer some extra support through this.

We hope that you also always feel welcome to reach out to our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) who are here for you 24/7, at anytime of the day or night when things are feeling like too much to cope with. Support is always here for you, and we'd really urge you to keep reaching out, as it can be really helpful to talk through these thoughts and feelings with a kind and understanding voice on the other end of the phone.

Our community are here for you Louise, and please feel free to keep updating us here whenever you feel ready to.

 

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much Sophie and everyone here who reads this and offers support. I appreciate it so much.

Thanks Sophie. I got the email and replied. I appreciate the numbers. I have the suicide call back service number on my phone already from when I used it Friday night. I feel funny saying that, as I am not suicidal.

I can't talk right now as my husband is near and I'd have to sneak outside. I feel guilty enough as it is to hide the fact I S/h from him.

[LJpd81]

Update. I contacted my psychologist and told them I've been S/H constantly and i now have an appointment on Wednesday. Freaking out. So nervous!

And I'm writing that letter tonight for my doctor tomorrow.

[Harpbird]

LJ, you should be proud of yourself. That’s a great idea to write a letter, much better than explaining face to face. Though I have told my GP of my S H . But for me explaining to psychologist why it started again I will also have to relive the loss of my grandson. It kills me and re affirms my blaming myself for his death.