[Stronger]

Last night I was having some awful urges. I hated it so much, because I've been clean for three years now.

So I tried a new coping skill that actually worked pretty well...thought I'd share it.
I got a pen, and wrote things everywhere that I wanted to cut. Personally, I wrote bible verses that are empowering for me, but you can write whatever you like.
It worked really well! Try it the next time an urge comes!

[smmath]

That is a good idea, but aren't you worried about what people will think of the writing if they saw it? I don't mean to be discouraging or rude, I am genuinely curious.

When I have self harmed, which isn't easily done at the moment, I have been able to put bandages over it, so people couldn't see what it was from. Would it be the same with writing positive messages?

[Stronger]

Well, I wrote it last night, and today I wore pants and long sleeves, so it wasn't really an issue. But honestly, I don't think it would be a bad thing if someone were to see it. It might give them some encouragement.
But my hardest struggles are usually at night. So if you were to write it at night, then you could just wash it off in the morning, if you wanted. Whereas a cut, unfortunately, you can't wash off.

[skyxblue]

I try to do that if I think of it. I'm glad it worked. There's also The Butterfly Project where you draw butterfies on your body and name them. That has helped too.

[RunningInTheRain]

I have done this and it worked great for me! I also like to draw things where I want to cut, like hearts or butterflies. And if I'm having a really rough time...I might draw "cuts" on my skin with red marker, to give me the visual effect without the damage. Then it can be scrubbed right off like it never happened. It seems kinda dark, but if you're really struggling, you could try it.