[Ms.Lizette]

I have a history of self harm. Luckily I had almost stopped cutting or limited it to scratching, but lately I have been having urges to self harm again, so I tried the rubber band method.

It hurts like hell, so it "helps", however it does leave big bluemarks on my arms. I really feel like I am punishing myself with this method. Actually it hurts even more than cutting for some reason.

I was in the hospital this week due to suicidal behavior and I told them about it and they said rubber bands were OK. I even got one from the nurse


It feels bad that they accept and enable something that feels like pure self harm to me. In a way I am glad they let me, in another way I wish they stopped me

Don't know what to think about this.

I think the rubber band "trick" and the holding icecubes "trick" both poor advice. The goal is to deal with your emotions in a healthy way, not to start doing non- or less-harmful self harm.

[AmandaBroken]

I agree to stop is the goal but if the rubber band trick keeps you from Self-Injury then go ahead and try it. I tried it but it never worked for me but I have heard from some that it is a good alternative while working towards the goal of stopping.

Are you seeing a Therapist or Counselor? Maybe you should talk to them and see what they say.

If you ever need to talk feel free to contact me through PM. Please, Be Safe!

Amanda

[random_emotion]

I have used both those methods and I think it is about baby steps. While you are working on stopping and coping in a healthy way I always kind of thought it similar to a nicotine patch for quitting smoking and how it gradually reduces the amount of nicotine over time. I think it is like that but for self injury. Instead of going cold turkey it is much more gradual while you are learning healthy ways to deal/cope with your emotions

[AmandaBroken]

Originally Posted by random_emotion

I have used both those methods and I think it is about baby steps. While you are working on stopping and coping in a healthy way I always kind of thought it similar to a nicotine patch for quitting smoking and how it gradually reduces the amount of nicotine over time. I think it is like that but for self injury. Instead of going cold turkey it is much more gradual while you are learning healthy ways to deal/cope with your emotions

Great point random_emotion... thanks for sharing that...