TeesTrans Transgender Support Group

I have been a prolific self harmer in the past. It was one of my repertoire of coping strategies. Coping with gender dysphoriaⁱ, and society's and family's and friends rejections and reactions. I used to cut. Cutting gave me a release. The I started cutting deeper and deeper. It got to the point where I was taking myself to A&E multiple times a week. That was the negative. The postive came when I realised that cutting wasn't giving me any release anymore. It had turned into punishment. I realised that I was punishing myself for being Transⁱ and for the rejection and abuse I was receiving. That realisation was a huge positive for me. I didn't want that for me. I didn't want other people to have that influence and control over me to take me to the point where I would punish myself. I have not self-harmed since. I am a much stronger woman for it. I am in control of me and my life. All because of that huge negative of self-harm being turned into inner strength. If, dear reader, you self-harm, then please take strength, you can beat it, take control, and start to respect yourself, don't let other people win!

If you have issues with self-harm your local Community Mental Health team can help and you can be referred to them by your GP. Alternatively, the National Self Harm Network may be of some help.