How???

I don't cut or anything right now, but I've been thinking about it a lot. So, how do you cut? How do you start off? If you don't want to tell me how, just give me a different way of getting the same kind of feeling. I've tried putting ice on my wrists and stuff, but that hasn't worked.

izzyfg2000: I understand you're in pain right now, but I honestly don't see anyone on this forum or on this site giving you advice or direction on how to cut.

Please, stop before you even start. It is not something to get into and there are far far far better coping stratagies out there. Cutting is just an easy and unhelpful one. I still have scars from 15 years ago, I have random growths all over my body from my body trying to heal the cuts, many of my scars HURT year and years after I have opened them. I have to wear long sleves and pants all through summer to cover up the hideous scars. I've tried to go bare but people always ask and it is uncomfortable. Dont make that first cut it is just not worth it.

Why do you feel you need to cut? Some people who cut find relief from snapping an elastic band around their wrist, or drawing cuts with red pen. Distraction has always been the best technique for me, my OCD yells "CUT CUT CUT" and I physically turn around and find something else to do. It takes a mass amount of effort but its worth having it, I never ever want to go through battling the addiction again.

I wouldnt wish an urge to cut on my worse nightmare. If you are still at the stage where you havent taken that first cut - dont do it!!

I agree, certainly. The best way to stop is by not starting. I thought I wouldn't end up spiraling into the deep pit of SI the first time I broke my skin, and yet last night I prowled around the house looking for anything to hurt myself with because I just couldn't control my own mind or body. Please don't start.
I would recommend the butterfly project. When you feel like hurting yourself, draw a butterfly on your arm or wherever you want to cut. Name it something special to you and know that if you SI before the butterfly is washed away, the butterfly will die.
If this doesn't help, I'm sorry, but whatever you do, don't cut yourself because it will make you worse off in the long run. Please update us as to what happens and if you need help, I think we're all here for support.

You know, I probably would have told you how when I first joined the forum. I had just picked up the habit again (after doing it a few times 4-5 years ago). And I was talking to someone on here (don't remember who cause i was still getting to know people) who told me that if I didn't stop it would get out of control. And I told him that wasn't possible, because I had it under control.

And I did. I stayed in one area, and it was just light stuff, and it was okay.

Well, it's been almost two months now and he was right. It hasn't gotten bad, but i've cut outside my set boundary, and have scars that I didn't want to have. And I am building a tolerance to the pain. And it's not worth it.

What I will suggest to you is the rubber band method. I don't necessarily equate it with cutting, but since i've been doing it, it's been okay. When i feel like its not touching the pain like a razor will, I pop more, back to back, harder. And i promise you - it hurts.

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling so sad though that you have a desire to inflict pain on yourself. If you need someone to talk to, feel free to PM me. I don't think I give the best advice, but I'm always willing to listen, and well, sometimes that helps.

And you know, you don't have to hurt yourself at all if you don't want to. Taking a walk on a cool day, listening to music, splurging on your favorite snack/treat, chatting on here, and naps can really help as well. What always works best for me is grabbing a drink (usually iced coffee or tea, sometimes soda) and a snack, cutting the lights off, putting in a good movie, wrapping up in my blanket and focusing intently on the movie. It doesn't solve my problems, but it helps me move away from focusing on them so intently and makes the burden easier to bear.

I hope this helps you. I care about you

KathyOlivia, Supanova, Samanthagreene, and tealBumblebee...Sorry, I've just been feeling really terrible lately...But thank you all so much for talking to me and caring about me. I feel like no one really cares about me anymore, but all of you guys make me feel better. I'll try my damndest to forget about cutting...Again, I thank you all so much

Good on you. There are some great coping stratagies around the forums, some really knowledgeable and helpful people. Keep looking after yourself

I agree, good on you.