I have been struggling with self-harm for several years now.

Every time I get explosively angry, I end up attacking myself (usually by scratching the insides of my arms, or my face/lips with my nails or some other sharp object). My parents and sister know this, and it upsets them so much. The last time I did this was three days ago, and this time I had to come clean. I have now finally opened up fully to my partner and to a few of my friends, and they have been amazing and supportive. This time I want to stop for good. I really don’t want to do it again. Is there anything else I can do to stop myself? – Want to Stop

Dear Want to Stop: You’ve already taken many positive steps: You understand the pattern when you engage in self-harm. You’ve told people about it (and they are being supportive). You want to stop.

You can recover. Specialized therapy will help. It might help you to read more about self-harm in order to fully understand the triggers and response. The Trevor Project has helpful information, as well as a “lifeline”: thetrevorproject.org. My friends at Crisis Text Line want you to know that you can text them, 24/7. Texting when you feel the pressure rising can help you to cope with the feeling while avoiding the self-injury.Text HOME to this number: 741741.