Things to do instead of hurting yourself

iwillbecomeanauthor · Jun 17, 2015 at 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STASlS

I used to draw on myself where ever I felt the urge to cut,
I started with sharp-point red pens, and then I'd go to ballpoint pens, to washable markers, I'd draw swirls or lines, or words, or anything, just to get it out. I also used to go for walks in the middle of the night, just to clear my head..
It helped a lot and ultimately I no longer feel that urge.

Good luck to you all, much respect to you.

Drawing where you want to cut is an interesting idea that will have to try. I used to go for walks in the middle of the night too, except when I did, I usually felt suicidal, as opposed to just injuring myself.

Often time I write a story. I know it's super generic and some people might think it's dumb but it has helped me a lot since I started writing. Sometimes I only really produce gibberish, but it feels like a good way to prevent it.

Additionally part of my SH was that I wanted to have something to show for my emotions, so this helped with that as well.

06:57 PM

My SI method of choice is to

Possible trigger:

carve (or burn) words into my leg.

What sometimes helps is to write said words on my leg.

CrazyLo · Sep 15, 2015 at 11:49 AM

Do a DBT chain analysis.
Crochet or do a hobby.
Call a friend.

CrazyLo · Sep 18, 2015 at 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breadfish

My SI method of choice is to

Possible trigger:

carve (or burn) words into my leg.

What sometimes helps is to write said words on my leg.

I do the same thing sometimes. Thanks for the idea!

Sep 18, 2015 at 04:37 PM

Get colorful markers and draw
loving pictures and phrases to
yourself on yourself!

Running-on-Rainbows · Oct 23, 2015 at 09:57 PM

- Write whatever is making you want to self-harm on a piece of paper, then tear it to shreds, cut it up, etc.

- Scribble on paper until it's black.

- Pop bubble wrap.

- Have a pillow fight with a wall or door.

- Flatten aluminum cans.

- Throw ice cubes at the sink, bath tub, tree, etc.

- The Calm Jar: Fill a mason jar or similar with colored water and glitter. When feeling upset or angry you can shake it to disturb the glitter and focus on that until the glitter settles.

Hope this helps.

phoenix7 · Apr 21, 2016 at 02:19 PM

CANDC posted this in another forum but I thought it was a good link and would be helpful here - so I em......borrowed it ;-)
Self-Harm: The Myths & the Facts | Embracing Balance

thesnowqueen · Jun 03, 2016 at 05:00 PM

I also compulsively scratch my head and scratch my nails. As well as strong impulse to SI in times of high emotion. Whats been helping the last few months is hand cream. Every time I want to do something destructive with my hands I put on hand cream. I have a lavender scented one which is quite soothing and a few others around too. I also got this massage bar from Lush and rub that between my hands. Sometimes I use a little on my shoulders too. I think self-massage reduces cortisol so...

Jul 25, 2016 at 06:36 AM

tear something up, such as blank paper or an old book you don't use

TishaBuv · Jul 25, 2016 at 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenix7

CANDC posted this in another forum but I thought it was a good link and would be helpful here - so I em......borrowed it ;-)
Self-Harm: The Myths & the Facts | Embracing Balance

Good article. She doesn't mention the solution I am now trying: Get out of the bad situation that is so upsetting that it is triggering you to self harm!

Oct 10, 2016 at 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rapunzel

Thanks Hallie! These are great! Things to do instead of hurting yourself

Anyone else?

Yes taking a shower worked for me once. I took any icy one. Also the other times i wanted to i talked to my brother and sis but they didn't make me feel better...

campervanman · Oct 12, 2016 at 08:03 AM

Going to the countryside for the tranquillity and the different smells`!

Hefalump · Nov 12, 2016 at 11:49 AM

I haven't read every response so forgive me if I am repeating but here is what sometimes works for me.
focus on the thoughts that are leading to the desire to SI, then shout STOP and snap an elastic band on your wrist or slap the arm of the chair or something which should shick the thoughts away. Then replace them with deep breathing and the thoughts of your happy place.

AmandaBroken · Mar 29, 2017 at 10:26 PM

Go for a run... and do it again to avoid cutting...

mxvel · Apr 07, 2017 at 11:36 PM

I learned this from a psych facility, warm up red food coloring and draw it on yourself.
Draw a pic of your wrist and draw with red where you need to cut.

Stay strong !

AmandaBroken · Apr 08, 2017 at 02:38 PM

Journalling...

Ariel Simcha · Jun 24, 2017 at 04:38 PM

Remember where you want to be. Have a goal.

_i_hate_me_ · Jul 25, 2017 at 09:48 PM

These don't work for me. I self harm and my last cut is probably going to scar. I have no reason not too. I need serious help. My mom saw my cuts once (I lied and said it was the cat) and she raised her voice like I did something wrong. When she's the one who makes me wanna cut....well one of them. Anything to help me?? I sorry to be a pain but I need someone to talk to who won't be like "you need to stop" and that bs

marques34 · Aug 28, 2017 at 09:04 PM

Go to the gym, watch TV, check e-mails on my phone, browse the internet on my phone or play games on my phone. These are not anything close to what other members posted, but these helps me a lot.

gingin2606 · Dec 18, 2017 at 08:14 AM

Free hug

)

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Anonymous40413 Guest Posts: n/a	Sep 06, 2015 at 05:36 AM #142 My SI method of choice is to Possible trigger: carve (or burn) words into my leg. What sometimes helps is to write said words on my leg. Last edited by notz; Sep 06, 2015 at 06:57 PM.. Reason: added trigger icon and code
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CrazyLo Grand Poohbah Member Since Jun 2015 Location: Misery, USA Posts: 1,601 9 122 hugs given	Sep 15, 2015 at 11:49 AM #143 Do a DBT chain analysis. Crochet or do a hobby. Call a friend. __________________ The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.
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Anonymous37842 Guest Posts: n/a	Sep 18, 2015 at 04:37 PM #145 Get colorful markers and draw loving pictures and phrases to yourself on yourself!
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Anonymous32451 Guest Posts: n/a	Jul 25, 2016 at 06:36 AM #149 tear something up, such as blank paper or an old book you don't use
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campervanman Veteran Member Member Since Sep 2016 Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom. Posts: 659 8	Oct 12, 2016 at 08:03 AM #152 Going to the countryside for the tranquillity and the different smells`!
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AmandaBroken Account Suspended Member Since Mar 2017 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 10,250 (SuperPoster!) 7 26.2k hugs given	Mar 29, 2017 at 10:26 PM #154 Go for a run... and do it again to avoid cutting...
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mxvel New Member Member Since Mar 2017 Location: California Posts: 4 7	Apr 07, 2017 at 11:36 PM #155 I learned this from a psych facility, warm up red food coloring and draw it on yourself. Draw a pic of your wrist and draw with red where you need to cut. Stay strong !
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AmandaBroken Account Suspended Member Since Mar 2017 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 10,250 (SuperPoster!) 7 26.2k hugs given	Apr 08, 2017 at 02:38 PM #156 Journalling...
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Ariel Simcha Account Suspended Member Since Jun 2017 Location: The Outer Limits Posts: 335 7 44 hugs given	Jun 24, 2017 at 04:38 PM #157 Remember where you want to be. Have a goal.
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marques34 New Member Member Since Aug 2017 Location: Charlotte Posts: 3 7	Aug 28, 2017 at 09:04 PM #159 Go to the gym, watch TV, check e-mails on my phone, browse the internet on my phone or play games on my phone. These are not anything close to what other members posted, but these helps me a lot.
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gingin2606 New Member Member Since Dec 2017 Location: china Posts: 1 6	Dec 18, 2017 at 08:14 AM #160 Free hug )
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