I'm struggling to cope with the self-harm at the moment and I think it's time to try professional help to stop.
My self harm started about 2 years ago when I was in an abusive relationship. Now I am in a much better place as my ex got the police caution last year and I have a new partner, happy with work and family etc. But I still can't stop self harming. If something happens that upsets or angers me my natural reaction is to cut.
Why am I still doing this? I should be grateful that I am free of that man and have found someone so accepting of me, but when the going gets tough I just can't stop cutting.
I'm scared to try counselling because I know I'll have to drag up all the horrific things that man did to me and I just can't face that, but I'm scared to go to the GP too because I don't know what happens when you tell your GP about self harming. The other thing is I'm in a Psychology profession myself-I'm doing a PhD and have just been offered my first job as a lecturer, and I'm scared that if I seek help it will go on my record and I won't be allowed to do my job.
I want to stop. So any information about how GPs usually react to this or just any words of wisdom would be gratefully received.