SI

I found this some time ago and it is extremely accurate.

"Self-injury:
is best described as a coping mechanism. You will find that self-injury shares similar
co-morbid illnesses and behaviours as those of alcoholism, drug abuse, and sexual
promiscuity to name a few. Realize that many of us fear hurting others with our pain,
which is why we turn it back onto ourselves. We don’t have well-developed, healthy
coping mechanisms for stressors in our lives. If we reach out, we want to heal.
But it takes time, and the unknown scares us. Do not threaten us with ultimatums if
we don’t stop the behaviour cold turkey. Self-injury is not the disease; it’s a symptom.
Self-injury is the part you see on the outside. The real issue is what lies beneath
the surface. And beneath that surface is not just pain, but beauty."

I think it came from an American lady, who was totally honest and open about her 'situation.'

And this is from another lady:
My scars are too real to explain away — but they have kept me going. My SI is not an
art form, a fad, a statement for others to see. It is my coping device, used at nearly
'un-cope-able’ times. It’s a part of me that has given me strength.