How to Cope with Self-Harm Urges

I still struggle with this (cutting, in my case, so my advice pertains mostly to that). I currently use an app called I Am Sober to track it every day, and it lets you track patterns in mood and activity for each day. As for coping directly, I bought some temporary tattoo markers/henna markers and draw on my skin. It washes off after a few days (be sure they are skin safe markers always!). I also bought some slap bracelets, and when I get the urge I just use the slap bracelet on my arm or skin, same as I would use a rubber band sometimes too. At least with me, the sharp pain is what helps from rubber bands and slap bracelets. You might get red skin or a minor welt, but it is much better and safer than the alternative.

I use apps like "WOEBOT" "wysa" and text my friends or watch funny videos or play video games or do art. Anything that can help distract. I also hold ice and put ice on my wrist or neck to stimulate the vagus nerve and help my nervous system chill out

My animals help tremendously to keep me from relapsing, if you have animals I recommend just sitting beside them until the urge passes. If that doesn't work then try to take a nap, that almost always helps me. Even if you aren't able to sleep, relax your muscles and try.

i used to self harm. sometimes i went and hugged my animal instead. sometimes i would just punch a pillow and take my internal rage out on that poor thing. as i got older i picked up vaping which helped but i do not recommend that. when i finally got my head cleared up and realized what i was doing to my body i dug a hole under the tree in my backyard and buried all of my razors in the hole.