types of SI

My therapist told me that instead of cutting, I should snap a rubber band on my wrist, or take a very very hot shower. Or hold ice in my hands until it hurts.
I've heard others on this board comment that SI is SI, no matter what form it is in, and that even these alternative methods aren't healthy.
Before my therapist suggested it I was taking hot hot showers, so hot that it hurt and my skin is red afterward.
But is this really a valid way to cope with cutting urges?
If anyone has any insight or opinions, I'd love to hear them.
thanks,
ktgirl

Hey....
IMHO i think there is two forms of injury. Self injury and self harm. I think self injury is just that. injury. and self harm is like skin picking, and the stuff you kind of mentioned.

I honestly think you need to dig down deep on why you do self injure. its what i did, and because i worked really hard was able to realize the other half of it was addiction. happy to say i havent self injured in over a year!

Self injury IS self injury, self harm, whatever you want to call it. some people think if theres no scar, no biggie...not to me.....dig deep. think of why you are doing it. Dont let who hurt you once, hurt you again. by hurting yourself.

make any sense? LOL heck i dont know if it does..ok im tired!

Colleen

Hi Colleen,
thanks for your thoughtful reply - it does make sense to me. And way to go - being SI free for so long is a big accomplishment. It sounds like your hard work has really paid off.
I'm in recovery from an eating disorder, and my therapist says I'm not strong enough yet to deal with the stuff that has caused the SI and ED. I'm just trying to figure out how to cope for now.
kt

btw - I like you tagline!

Sometimes replacing a dangerous behavior with a safer behavior is helpful. Eventually the underlying issues need to be dealt with, but I'd say work on being safe first. JMHO.

Nope I agree in the beginning. just coping is good. Just as long as you start when its safe to explore why you DO Si.....But in the beginning for me, i had to do other things. Everybody is different, you do what works for YOU....i was fortunate to be able to do things how I did. its a your mileage may vary type of thing.

I apologize if I sounded harsh. I just want everbody to be as safe as possible ya know.

Hugs your way!!!!
ps the tagline was my moms....well HER part was the tommorow always has the potential to be better than today....i just added the lets pretend part LOL (need to give credit where its due...)