[AmericanAngel]

I have this problem where if anything goes wrong, big or little, I will easily get upset and start cutting! I can't help it. I've tried to stop so many times and I can't. My boyfriend got me to promise I wouldn't slam my head into the wall like I use to, now I just punch myself really hard in the head to the point where it feels like I'm messing myself up. Any ideas on how to control it??

[HALLIEBETH87]

why don't u try doing other things than cutting. for instance: get a bucket-a big bowl works too-and put a bunch of ice in it then fill it up with REALLY cold water-as cold as u can get it. then just dunk your hands in it really fast. see if the cold sensation burning feeling helps. i have found that coloring and playing with my cat helps to distract me. another thing to work on is your thinking. when cutting comes to mind try to replace those thought with something else. for example: if you are thinking " i must cut now!" replace it with something creative like"for my boyfriend i will do _______ for him this weekend. if this doesn't make sense pm me and i will explain it further. good luck.

[Zenobia]

Halliebeth is right. For that "I have to cut now!" feeling there are a bunch of ways to distract you from it. Many of us have made long lists of ideas to help in those situations. It doesn't always work but each time you do succeed in distracting yourself you increase your coping ability and have a better chance the next time the urge comes on.

Also it is important to deal with the feelings that are behind the urge. That often means going to see a therapist who can help you walk through the feelings you are having such a problem with. It is a long process that takes time and commitment. It is hard but it is worth the work. Do you have a therapist?
Carrie