have you looked into cbt? It has changed my life and that of many mother people I know. I was never a cutter, but I was suicidal and have not even had a suicidal thought since I learned to use the tools in cbt :d
an east starter book on cbt is "been there, done that? Do this! By sam obitz and many universities offer cbt programs for little or no charge

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I'm new at all this but so far cbt seems to be working though I have five weeks to go in my group. I like the book by sam obitz that we are using as our guide for the group because it is real simple with short chapters.

keep doing your homework in your group and it will begin to work better and better for you haley :d

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Start with some baby steps like put up smilies around the house or your room & smile when you see them, smiling releases chemicals which actually help us feel better :d

another baby step is to look at things around you like babies, or trees, flowers, the sky & realize how amazing/ beautiful they are.

People do like you, but you don't like you right now so you just don't realize that others do. Start telling yourself that you are worthwhile.

Yeah, I havent cut ina couple weeks, maybe cause I havent done anything wrong, my mind was made up to kill myself, then my baby brother was born and I wanted to live again, he is a miricle baby and I love him soo much!

What exactly is cbt? How much does it cost??? I do not have health insurance so I cannot afford to go to counseling or anything like that, so I just didn't know if you had to pay for it every time you went. Or even where you go.

hi hotasfrick-
where are you located? Many universities offer cbt programs and groups for little or no charge! Cbt is generally designed to work in 12-weeks if you dedicate yourself to the tools and practice them regularly. Once you finish you have the tools you need to give yourself relief forever, free of charge. How much improvement you make and how fast and lasting depends on the amount of effort you put into using the tools. I spend 10 minutes about four times a week doing the tea form exercise to this day and I keep feeling better and better. Pick up a copy or go to your local library and read the obitz book as it is an easy read and my favorite introductory book on cbt and see if you think you are ready to give it a go

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congratulations on the baby bro
cbt is great for elimating suicidal thoughts so I hope you look into it!

Q

I am located in pennsylvania, about 50 miles from pittsburgh, out in the middle of nowhere. There are some universities, but not really any big ones. Thank you for the advice though! I will look into it.

i also battle with the hardships of depression myself. I have been diagnosed and I was on medication. I was a cutter who recently chose to get away from it.

Some people just say "snap out of it" or "stop doing that", but people just don't seem to understand that this is a serious medical condition. It's not something that can change overnight.

Medication is a good things to get on if you do suffer from this. It did help me, but i've chosen to battle it and get off my meds. I'm doing good and i'm pretty proud of myself. Any of you who done the same should also be proud. :-d

if anyone ever needs to talk to me, I am on aim/yahoo as "rabidbribri" too. Have a nice day. Just wanted to share some thoughts.

Hi qt3, you were right, the exercises are getting easier and easier and my progress is really accelerating and i've even started weaning off the lexapro and I feel great! Thanks again for everything! Three weeks to go

i know it is not terribly close but the university of pennsylvania has one of the best cbt programs in the country so you may want to call them and see if they can refer you to a free or inexpensive group or therapist in your area. I would also think you could find the obitz book at a library in pittsburgh. Hope this is helpful and you are doing well

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that's great news haley keep up the good work :d

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