Hello :) I'm not sure if this is ok to talk about on here, so please remove it if it isn't. I just qondered whether self harm has a high rate amoung us ? I have done since about 11, not directly related to issues with my identity but rather just in general. Just curious really. Anyone else ?
Yes, self harm, para-suicide as well as suicide is higher in transgender. Self harm includes drug and alcohol abuse as well as cutting etc. The incident of para-suicide and suicide did not decrease in post-op women compared to pre-op women either in the largest study I am aware of. Hence the recommendation to keep accessing support services post-op.
I used to and stopped in 2009. I have done it since then, early on in 2010 - but that was before I started HRT. I don't know about the prevalence amongst trans* folk, but I'd stand by Cindy's information.
I used to from the age of 15 to 19. I suffer from depression and I had no way of talking to anyone about it until I started therapy.
I used to do a lot of SI when I was younger. I thought I had gotten over it years ago, but a while back I became obsessed with finding a method of self-performed orchiectomy. I started injecting ethanol into my testicular tissue a few milliliters at a time every other day. I tried to convince myself it was just for transition's sake, to stop steroidogenisis; but the act became very addictive. I didn't stop until the tissue became so hard I couldn't force the needle in without bruising.
I've been doing better since though, but now I'm a bit more cautious. I realized this isn't something I'll ever get over. I can stop engaging in self injurious activities, but the issue will always be beneath the surface, hibernating in the deepest parts of my self.
Thanks for the replies. It kind of makes me feel better, but in a sad way...if that makes any sense at all ! Its made me see that I'm clearly not the only one who does it, but its sad that other people feel the way I do.
I did SI way before I knew I was trans and stopped actually way earlier than I knew I was trans as well. But I am pretty sure it must have had to do with it in some way. I am sure it is very common (but not universal) in the trans community.
--Jay
the number is pretty high amount transgender, I have seen the numbers for suicide but I dont remember where.
for adiction and selfharm it also high.
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I also tryed selfharm like cutting and hitting myself and suicide.
I know people who get this "good felling from cutting" where they feel there pain get away, I however did not feel it like that, it was more like a frustration and a way to cope with the world I kinda had to learn to be strong.
I think a way for me to live was to ignore my body include the pain. I had a slight wish for a moment if I became good enough I could cut of my chest but it where too much pain.
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