Masturbation addiction

[Repeat]

For the past couple of years, I have struggled with two urges to relieve stress - cutting myself or masturbation. Although they sort of oppose each other in my mind? For example, if I cut myself I can't even think of touching myself because of how disgusted I am. Originally, to stop myself from cutting, I masturbated instead but that just led to me doing it whenever I had the free time but this just led to a reliance on porn whether it's written or recorded. Now, I have no idea how to stop and honestly I'm a bit scared to because I know that I will just resort to self harm again. Has anyone got any advice?

 

[todienomore]

With both you are chasing endorphins so find healthy ways to do that. Also assess all the ways that you chase easy dopamine/endorphins. Try fasting from all those things. You don't have to quit forever just get perspective, transmute the drive. Commit to taking a break one day at a time but aim for longer periods.

 

[fuzzy-clown]

There are so many ways that people deal with stress and strong emotions. Try different coping methods until you find one that works. It may take a while of using a new coping method until it works enough that you mainly use that instead.

 

[TheLastGreySky]

For the past couple of years, I have struggled with two urges to relieve stress - cutting myself or masturbation. Although they sort of oppose each other in my mind? For example, if I cut myself I can't even think of touching myself because of how disgusted I am. Originally, to stop myself from cutting, I masturbated instead but that just led to me doing it whenever I had the free time but this just led to a reliance on porn whether it's written or recorded. Now, I have no idea how to stop and honestly I'm a bit scared to because I know that I will just resort to self harm again. Has anyone got any advice?

Honestly, I think masturbating is a healthier option of the two, because at the very least you don't risk leaving scars that will affect yourself image especially if you already have body dysmorphia.

With all due respect to everyone in this form I do not know what is considered addiction level masturbation, but personally I do it daily on top of having sex once or twice, I know I'm a sex addict.
I slept with two different people yesterday, and I would of rather had the self-control to only focus on myself but I feel like in the end you're still chasing that high.

Is your 'self-care' affecting work/school/etc or does it just bring you a lot of shame?