Help Safe ways to SH?

[MythicalGriff]

Hey guys. I've been struggling a lot with panic attacks, and one thing that helps me calm down is SH. I used to scratch my keys along my forearms and hands, but that doesn't really seem to work anymore, the pain level is too low. Is there any other practices you recommend? I don't want to do anything that's too messy or hard to clean up, and I'm trying to find safer ways, so I don't end up needing to go to the hospital if I accidentally take it too far (why I don't really cut). I used to squeeze my skin with a nail clipper until it bled, I wonder if I should start doing that again, but I'd also like to start looking into other options. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Baron]

I use a knife to cut my thighs, it leaves a burning pain the first day and for the next few days I can still feel it a bit. For example, when I am sitting in class with my hand I go over the spots I cut and I feel a bit of that burning pain again and at the same time remember the moment I cut them, it feels great. The advantage of thighs is that you can easily cover it up under your trousers, noone will see it unless you are running around with naked thighs.

 

[MythicalGriff]

I use a knife to cut my thighs, it leaves a burning pain the first day and for the next few days I can still feel it a bit. For example, when I am sitting in class with my hand I go over the spots I cut and I feel a bit of that burning pain again and at the same time remember the moment I cut them, it feels great. The advantage of thighs is that you can easily cover it up under your trousers, noone will see it unless you are running around with naked thighs.

What do you cut with? It's less about concealing the area and more about not making too much of a mess/cutting too deep. I use my keys on my forearms because I can scratch them when my hands are in my pockets, and I never go out without wearing some type of long-sleeves (even in the summer)

 

[Baron]

What do you cut with?

A knife, id say the one I use is more on the dull side, ive got mostly shallow cuts. Its a bit sad tho, only yesterday i cut my thighs again and today I already dont feel anything anymore, even when touching the spot. Dont know about really sharp knifes, I imagine they can be more dangerous. Im probably gonna go with a sharper one in the future, Im used to the shallow cuts already

 

[CandyK__]

You can use duct-tape, and peel it of quickly it's an alternative to cutting.

You can try slight burns with candle on arms, or punching a concrete wall.

 

[jellie]

hey i used to do the same thing when i was new to SH!
I have the same fears about going to deep and needing medical attention. my advice is to cut with a safety razor! like the kind you'd use to shave your legs or a beard.
i find that this has prevented me from going to deep, but I can still get the pain i need (which is pretty manageable) and not too messy as long as you have a paper towel or washcloth to soak excess blood. The only thing I would recommend about this is to shower beforehand, since showering with fresh cuts is really uncomfortable.

overall it is safe, effective, and easy to clean as long as you are hygienic with the cuts. :)

 

[MythicalGriff]

You can use duct-tape, and peel it of quickly it's an alternative to cutting.

You can try slight burns with candle on arms, or punching a concrete wall.

I might try the burns. I'm concerned about punching a concrete wall because that can cause permanent damage to my hand and I am both an artist and I do Jiu-Jitsu so I kind of need them lol.

hey i used to do the same thing when i was new to SH!
I have the same fears about going to deep and needing medical attention. my advice is to cut with a safety razor! like the kind you'd use to shave your legs or a beard.
i find that this has prevented me from going to deep, but I can still get the pain i need (which is pretty manageable) and not too messy as long as you have a paper towel or washcloth to soak excess blood. The only thing I would recommend about this is to shower beforehand, since showering with fresh cuts is really uncomfortable.

overall it is safe, effective, and easy to clean as long as you are hygienic with the cuts. :)

Awesome, thanks!

 

[bigfishlittlefish]

If you use anything bladed, it's a really good idea to sterilise that first and then also your wounds after. For burns, make sure you dress with some light antiseptic ointment and something like a Melolin pad, taped down (shiny side down, the fluffy side will stick to the wound)

 

[MythicalGriff]

If you use anything bladed, it's a really good idea to sterilise that first and then also your wounds after. For burns, make sure you dress with some light antiseptic ointment and something like a Melolin pad, taped down (shiny side down, the fluffy side will stick to the wound)

Do I have to dress them? What happens if I don't? I'm afraid of family seeing all the garbage/waste

 

[fadedphotograph]

I was told to replace my cutting with a rubber band to pull and smack against my wrists instead. I got some from work one time, but I had to pull really hard to the point it bruised for it to get even close to the same relief as cutting. But that's a safe method if the pain level is adequate.

 

[fwompie]

Do I have to dress them? What happens if I don't? I'm afraid of family seeing all the garbage/waste

If you don't it will get infected and you'll still need medical attention.

If I need to sh I usually just punch myself, it's mostly out of reflex when I'm really out of it but it doesn't have permanent lasting effects, it's easily lied about, you can feel it for another day if you get a good bruise and no medical attention needed.

I used to selfharm for years by cutting but it has too many downsides in my opinion.

 

[MythicalGriff]

ok,

If you don't it will get infected and you'll still need medical attention.

If I need to sh I usually just punch myself, it's mostly out of reflex when I'm really out of it but it doesn't have permanent lasting effects, it's easily lied about, you can feel it for another day if you get a good bruise and no medical attention needed.

I used to selfharm for years by cutting but it has too many downsides in my opinion.

good to know. thanks.

 

[bigfishlittlefish]

Do I have to dress them? What happens if I don't? I'm afraid of family seeing all the garbage/waste

If you don't want infections then yes

Do I have to dress them? What happens if I don't? I'm afraid of family seeing all the garbage/waste

You're welcome to pm me if you'd like to learn more. I have a pretty high level of medical knowledge and I'm happy to share/help.

 

[pawlessz]

try taking extremely hot or cold showers

 

[MythicalGriff]

try taking extremely hot or cold showers

Yeah I started taking cold showers and kneeling on the ground with my head down so the water is in my face. It's really uncomfortable