Thanx Lisa for posting this. I too have self mutilated. I wasn't able to stop until my meds were straightened out (almost 3 years also). The intensity of my feelings were just too great to handle so I used cutting and especially burning to cope. Once I got my meds straight I gradually did it less and less until finally I didn't do it at all. It was hard to quit even with the meds.
I think it started out as a cry for help until I realized I didn't like the kind of attention I received, then it became a very private thing for me as well. At any rate I'm glad it's over for me as I too have many scars to hide. I'm also very pleased to know that you are done. I am proud of you for your courage. Thank you for sharing.
Take care, Morgan