Help Self-Harming

[puppy9]

To those that self-harm. How do you stay clean? Is there any alternative to self-harm than cutting? I need a different way that I can use that does not physically harm me.

I have this strong urge to self-harm but I'm able to resist it. I don't think I can find other ways to cope with my emotional pain. I have not self-harm before. Thank you guys.

 

[sourcreamonion]

Similar problem here, I would constantly be looking for ways to satiate the need, as cutting or beating myself up nearly became an initial response to everything. I honestly don't know how to go completely clean as I'll stray off the path a few times here and there but immediately go back to it if something happens. I've been using cigarettes as a way to form that in a habit instead of cutting, which is still bad so I would not recommend that, but here are some ways I stayed clean back then:

1. Literally running until your body wants to give up. I'm serious. Something bad happens? Go for a run immediately and run however fast or however far. Washes out that need to cut immediately. (Any type of workout that puts stress on your body will work, will also get you fit lol)

2. Snack on something. I always used to keep little bags of chips or just any small snacks, food was a comfort for me, I don't know how it is for you.

3. Sleep. Go to sleep when you feel like shit, wake up and you'll feel disoriented and hungry, won't even think about self-harming. (I would use sleeping pills for this back then in order for me to pass out quickly lol please do not use sleeping pills)

4. Pinching. Super easy, pinch as hard as you want, will heal a lot quicker and less visible harm.

There was a lot of other ways I used to cope, they were not healthy and did put physical damage, and the ones I've listed work well for me if I had the energy to.

Best of wishes :)

edit: back then as in when I was a teenager and had limited resources.

 

[dysfunctional]

I have liked to burn myself. May be lower impact than major cutting.

 

[Deleted member 17331]

I'm diverting my body's hatred to paper. I write, draw and paint... It is not something that 'saves' me every day, but I feel that I can breathe through paper.

Oh, subway snacks! Those 30cm cheese breads! Hmm, and those little soy hamburgers… They are a good distraction for me, and they help a little

 

[KiraComplex]

I'm diverting my body's hatred to paper. I write, draw and paint... It is not something that 'saves' me every day, but I feel that I can breathe through paper.

Oh, subway snacks! Those 30cm cheese breads! Hmm, and those little soy hamburgers… They are a good distraction for me, and they help a little

i just ate and now i want soyburgers.

 

[Deleted member 17331]

i just ate and now i want soyburgers.

Hmm, I think you will love it!

 

[Deleted member 19276]

I'm diverting my body's hatred to paper. I write, draw and paint... It is not something that 'saves' me every day, but I feel that I can breathe through paper.

Oh, subway snacks! Those 30cm cheese breads! Hmm, and those little soy hamburgers… They are a good distraction for me, and they help a little

My gosh, those look delicious! Food can be great like that.

@puppy9 - Anyway, I would suggest getting a boxing bag of some kind and taking the frustrating out on it? :) Like, punching really hard, kicking it... At least, it's a way to manage anger, I hope it works for the self harm problem, too.
Another thing is to get like, a dumbbell and try lifting it as much as you can, until you feel a burn in your hand and arm...
Eh, crap suggestions probably. If I think of something else, I will let you know. :)

 

[puppy9]

@sourcreamonion Thanks for the time to lay that out. Snacks works wonders for me, but once I've run out of it; life sucks again. The workout and pinching is a good idea, will give it a whirl.

@dysfunctional sorry to hear that. Do you still burn?

@goblinsinmyhead Thanks for the wonderful suggestions. I used to draw, but I quit because I beat myself up for not being able to be original. My drawing abilities only extends to copy people's work. I feel a sense of freedom though, when I'm sucked into art.
those subs are making me hungry. Just need to get a job to afford em. The picture is satisfying enough. Thanks

@KiraComplex I can't eat a whole sub store now.

@Vorty27 Great suggestions there mate. I have a dumbbell laying around somewhere, just need to dust it and try it. or you can whip me out a delicious sub. Thanks

 

[Deleted member 19276]

@puppy9 One sandwich coming right up!

And some dessert with that - >


Anyway, I should really get back to the topic! I know an idea that a character used from a game to relieve her mental pain... Basically she was at a junkyard and used a baseball bat to smash a bunch of old TVs and cars and boxes. Though, that one can be hard to actually do.
Maybe you could try to write down the negative emotions on paper and then burn the paper as revenge?! But be careful no to burn yourself, this idea is a bit more risky. :)

 

[ive_been_where_you_r]

i've scratched myself. it doesn't leave a mark, or at least not for long. or you could try rubbing ice on your skin? i've grown enough to were anytime i feel the need to sh i just draw or write, it honestly helps a lot and i hope you can get there one day

 

[watereyes]

I slap myself like the little bitch I am.

edit: no, that doesnt make me horny if thats what you thought

 

[Deleted member 17949]

Personally I'm kept away from self harm by my parents. It's not a very healthy situation, but when they found out I was self harming at 14 they got upset and angry with me and told me that they no longer trusted me. That confrontation was horrible, and so I don't want to cut myself while I'm living with them. I do worry about possibly slipping back into it after I move away from my parents.

 

[puppy9]

i've scratched myself. it doesn't leave a mark, or at least not for long. or you could try rubbing ice on your skin? i've grown enough to were anytime i feel the need to sh i just draw or write, it honestly helps a lot and i hope you can get there one day

The ice thing helps a lot. Thanks

 

[Thinking]

I find drawing on myself in red marker/ pen helps a lot, since for me cutting is more about the blood than the pain.