So you relapse and harm, the most important thing is looking after the wound(s) and yourself. Replenish lost
fluids, use an anti-bacterial wash and dressings to help minimise infection.
The second most important thing, is do not beat yourself up about it. The more guilt you feel, the worse your
mood will get, the more likely it will be that you are turned to harm again.
An addiction is very hard to break. Quitting cold turkey is even harder. Think about the good points, if you
had managed to be harm-free for a few days, a week, a month, that is a benefit and something to be proud of.
The first time I relapsed was 4 weeks after my last episode, the second relapse was nearly 10 weeks after
the last. I see that as an improvement, though I have huge regret for harming.
Knowing what triggered the relapse makes it easier in future to look for the warning signs. It's a learning process
in some respect. Learn your own limitation.
"Relapse should not be viewed as a failure; it is part of a learning process that eventually leads to recovery,"
Keep trying, keep staying strong and success will be one step closer to you.
