This forum is for people who would like to examine what's behind their urges to self-injure and to develop more adaptive coping strategies, whether it's "Before" you've self-injured or "After".
Before you can post in this forum, you have to be added to the B&A usergroup. To join the usergroup, click the "Usergroups" link at the top of the page on the far right. Click on "before and after" under the "Join a Group" section, and then click on "View Information". You will then be given a chance to join the group. A moderator must approve your request, so you may have to wait a day or so before you can post.
We ask people to join a usergroup in order to post as a symbol of their commitment to using the forum for its intended purpose. You don't have to want to have to totally stop self-injury forever to use this forum, but you must be willing to examine yourself and the role self-injury plays in your life, and be willing to consider alternative coping strategies. Some people are ready to do that, some people aren't - both are okay, but this forum is here for those that are.
Be sure to label your post "Before" or "After" so that people know what kind of feedback you would like, and feel free to offer constructive feedback to others.
The "Before" questions are posted here: http://buslist.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=61842
The "After" questions are posted here:
http://buslist.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=61841
Formatted copies of both questions, which many people find easier to use, are available here: http://buslist.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=105171
"Honouring the Self-Protective Instinct" is another post that many people find useful. It is posted here: http://buslist.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=96456
Try to be as gentle with and non-judgemental of yourself as possible when you're working with these questions. You don't have to answer all of them if that's too much. Give yourself credit for having the courage to look at these things and see if there's a better way - it's a big step, and it's great that you're here.
