sometimes writing it before i say it helps:

why i self injure:
when someone mentions something that gets me anxious, my mind starts racing a million miles an hour and i can't stop and clearly think. i need an immediate release from this awful anxiety, and somewhere along the way i found out that intentionally harming myself produces a calming effect. it doesn't hurt when i cut - i feel a release every time i do it. i also turn to self injury when i am feeling worthless, stupid, and undeserving. sometimes, it can be a physical punishment for doing something i don't think is good enough. either way, whenever my emotions are too intense for me to handle, the way i calm myself down and take away the anxiety is through cutting. i can't explain it any other way, and i know it sounds suicidal and dangerous but trust me it isn't. i have no intention of ending my life or causing perminent damage - it is just a temporary solution to help calm me down. i am not a danger to myself; i have this under control. i do realize that cutting is an unhealthy coping mechanism, and i would like to try to find alternatives to help me cope with overwhelming emotions. i am sorry to lay this on you and i hope i can trust you with keeping this between us. i've told you so that i can come to you if i need help.