Safe equivalents to self harm?

[Polecat]

Hello, I'm meant to have surgery in a couple of months, so I'm unable to cut myself like I normally would. Unfortunately, this means I'm basically incapable of feeling better, since self harm to me is just an immediately feel-better-now switch that lasts for a few days at a time. I have tried "coping strategies" like distracting yourself or going on a walk and they basically just mean I think about killing myself while playing a video game or going on a walk outside instead of actually feeling better. Does anybody know if there are any equivalents to this feeling that aren't drugs?

 

[bluupup]

working out is usually my go to. it sounds like bullshit but I work out until I cant move anymore usually. or if you're an artist, draw the cuts on yourself with a marker. or just stay with people and try to get your mind fully off of cutting or CTB. do risky things, ie. jumping into the water from a bridge and landing CORRECTLY, riding a motorcycle, learning to backflip, wrestling friends, or trying to solve old crimes! the adrenaline usually helps me, but it could be different for you. I hope you can find a different coping strat rather than cutting, be safe out there!

 

[tonicer]

Yeah working out feels good to me. I like when my muscles after a work out are all swollen and feel like they want to pop out of my skin. Trying out a new recipe is also awesome, if it turns out well and you don't forget an important ingredient. ;D

 

[miso_soup]

working out or stretching are cool but if you are not high on energy then i recommend things like dumping your head in a bucket full of ice water, very cold showers, sour candy etc. basically anything that shocks your nervous system. if you need pain specifically then thing like snapping a rubber band on your wrist can also be helpful.

 

[wantingdignity]

It can become problematic at some point I'm sure, but honestly masterbation

 

[CleanGopher]

Hello, I'm meant to have surgery in a couple of months, so I'm unable to cut myself like I normally would. Unfortunately, this means I'm basically incapable of feeling better, since self harm to me is just an immediately feel-better-now switch that lasts for a few days at a time. I have tried "coping strategies" like distracting yourself or going on a walk and they basically just mean I think about killing myself while playing a video game or going on a walk outside instead of actually feeling better. Does anybody know if there are any equivalents to this feeling that aren't drugs?

Killing old habits, Turning into a person you deem unrecognizable, god that kills you in a good way, yk?

 

[ijustwannabeloved]

Hello, I'm meant to have surgery in a couple of months, so I'm unable to cut myself like I normally would. Unfortunately, this means I'm basically incapable of feeling better, since self harm to me is just an immediately feel-better-now switch that lasts for a few days at a time. I have tried "coping strategies" like distracting yourself or going on a walk and they basically just mean I think about killing myself while playing a video game or going on a walk outside instead of actually feeling better. Does anybody know if there are any equivalents to this feeling that aren't drugs?

League of legends, although I wouldn't really consider it safer

 

[bagel12]

Hello, I'm meant to have surgery in a couple of months, so I'm unable to cut myself like I normally would. Unfortunately, this means I'm basically incapable of feeling better, since self harm to me is just an immediately feel-better-now switch that lasts for a few days at a time. I have tried "coping strategies" like distracting yourself or going on a walk and they basically just mean I think about killing myself while playing a video game or going on a walk outside instead of actually feeling better. Does anybody know if there are any equivalents to this feeling that aren't drugs?

vigorous exercise, extremely spicy foods, sour foods, and extremely hot or cold showers are my sh alternatives. they all trigger the body to produce endorphins in a similar manner. sometimes stretching, massaging sore muscles, and pressing pressure points also help me but to a lesser extent

 

[plimeix]

Maybe try submerging your face in some icy water for like 15-30 seconds, it activates your divers reflex and calms you down for a bit. It won't last days but I find it's a good tool in the moments when things feel too intense.

 

[Polecat]

Killing old habits, Turning into a person you deem unrecognizable, god that kills you in a good way, yk?

I actually don't think I understand at all haha

 

[Awesomefoid67]

there are like recocmended alternatives out there like the one where you hold ice or snap a hairband on your wrist or whatever, idk if they'd work or if youve tried them (for me i very much doubt they would but ik they do for some people) but they exist

 

[Musiclover338]

smoking weed and cigarettes at the same time. try that, its like self harm lol