When Self-Harm Becomes an Addiction

Self-harm is something we’ve touched on a few times through different people’s stories, but today, it’s our main focus.  What leads someone to self-harm? Does it really feel ‘good’ at the time? And how does someone who’s been addicted to self-harm stop?  In this episode, Gabby Wilkinson from Dear God I’m Sad shares about her journey with depression, which led her to trying self-harm. Soon after, she found the urges to hurt herself were difficult to suppress, and the more she continued down that path, the fiercer the addiction to it became. So what changed for Gabby? How was she able to stop, and what has she learned through it all—about self-harm, her mental health, and ultimately, her faith? What would she say to someone who’s currently wrestling with self-harm, or to the person supporting a loved one through the struggle? Find out with us.   Content Warning: We’re not discussing the act of self-harm in any detail, but you will be hearing Gabby’s lived experience of wrestling with it. Please use your discretion and be wise about who may be around as you listen. -- If you found this episode helpful, you might like to check out Episode 12 - Was God There During My Depression, Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts? and Episode 16 - Surviving Being Suicidal. You may also be encouraged by these stories on our blog, To The Christian Who Self-Harms and My Healing From Depression Came Slowly. -- Anxious Faith website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Subscribe on Youtube Support Anxious Faith -- Anxious Faith is a production of Our Daily Bread Ministries. If you’re struggling with trauma or addiction yourself, please talk to someone to seek help. That might be a friend, family member, pastor, or your doctor. If you’re in Australia or New Zealand, there’s a list of helplines you can call here.