Self Injury at Age 24?

Question

How common is self-injury in young people in their 20s? I'm 24 years old and recently began cutting my b*****s. I'm in therapy and I'm motivated to stop harming myself, but I feel embarrassed and alone because I always thought that self-harm was only done by teenagers...so I feel guilty for being "too old" to have this problem. Am I really alone, or are there other twenty-somethings who struggle with the same problem?

Answer 1

My grandmother is 80 and still self-injures sometimes.

There is no age limit on mental health issues. The teens is a common age for depression to strike due to hormonal and social changes in a teenager's life, but some people don't experience their first depression or mental health issues until they are 20, 30, 40, or beyond.

It's actually very common for 20-somethings in college (about your age) to self injure, and the early 20's are the most common age for suicide. You are far from alone.

Answer 2

Hello.

I am 31 and I am a recovering self injurer. Anyone at any age can be a self injurer.  I'm glad you are undergoining therapy and taking an active role in making yourself better.  Good Luck!!

And don't worry about Bill O, he isn't correct anyway.

Answer 3

Cutting is not a simple thing. It is great you are in therapy.  There are support groups online, for people who cut, you may want to look around and see if one is possibly a good fit for you. Perhaps your therapist can refer you to a support group.

To answer your original question I believe cutting is more common than anyone would like to believe. I know there are also books written, by psychologists and other professionals about cutting. I would encourage you to do some research.

Answer 4

Self-harm is more common in teenagers, for debatable reasons.  You are not alone, I know of at least 2 adults (in 30's) who have self-harmed.

I used to self harm as a teenager, however I still get the urge every now and again (I'm 25) but I always manage to resist, I just need to look at the scars on my arms and that stops me - they are horrendous.  

Don't feel guilty about it, you are not abnormal, but you need to stop doing it because there is light at the end of the tunnel and you don't want to be scarred for life.  Its a constant reminder of what you've done.  Please try and stop asap.

Good luck.

Answer 5

i dont think so im 21 and i burn myslef by putting my cigs out on my arms neck and stomach, i like to prove to myself that i can take the pain with out showing pain ya know,  but no i dont think your alone

Answer 6

There is no age limit for mental health issues.  I'm so glad you're getting help, stick with it!!!