bus

After You Beat an Urge
How do you beat your urges? Examine how you beat the last one so it can help you beat the next one.

• Did I identify what feelings were leading me to want to SI?
  Yes. No. Maybe. I didn't take the time to figure it out, but I felt them pretty strong, so I don't know how to answer this.
• If Yes - What were they, and how did I figure them out?
  Anger, and curiosity (I'm somewhat "scared" to get better - am I still addicted? What will it feel like to do it again?). I identified said feelings because I felt them very strongly.
• What coping skills did I use to deal with these feelings?
  I didn't deal with the feelings as such - my kind of anger goes away with time, as does curiosity. I just thought about the 6th - I do a hug challange and the 6th of every month I get a hug, until I make it to a year - and it kinda gave me determination.
• Were these coping skills the most effective I could have used?
  Yes. I can't remember anything being so effective as before.
• If No - What coping skills got me through?
• Why do I think they worked?
  Because I'd be so embarresed and ashamed if I turned up on the 6th saying "er, sorry, but.....". Plus I'm quite goal driven - having something short term, that has a long term goal built in is a perfect strategy for me.
• How can I deal with these feelings more effectively next time, before the urge to SI sets in?
  Ummm. Don't let my parents provoke me. Understand that dad may have a little bit of a short temper, and differing opinions is part of life. Also think back to how it was like when I was fully, fully addicted to SI and remember the reasons I want to stop.

Take care,
Annie.

Congratulations, Annie! I know it's many years too late, but beating an urge always deserves congratulations, even years after the fact. I am so impressed with you.