How to Divert the Desire to Self-Harm?

Exercise!!!! Even something really small like 10 pullups or pushups. It hurts, the pain i was looking for is still there, i just feel so much better afterwards, and it doesnt sting in the shower. Im sure youve been told to exercise a million times, im definitely not trying to be another one of those voices. Ive been clean for i think two years :)

when i have the desire to self harm, i like to draw. it occupies my hands and i get to create something which makes me feel better. i've been clean for 14 months

Aromatherapy helps leagues

To me, I guess it’s because the physical pain is satisfying. It feels like a release of sorts. Maybe because feeling it outside my body makes it easier to not hurt inside. Thank you all for your suggestions, I think working out could really help.

I've been recently playing genshin impact to help with the urges...so I would find something to distract yourself...like a game or something

I've recently started going to the gym and I cant tell you how good it feels to be able to run when I'm angry or frustrated or stressed after my workout I always feel 10 pounds lighter. Like a weight lifted off my shoulders I absolutely love it

What about hurting yourself wants to make you do it? When I was hurting myself, I was usually angry, anxious, or overstimulated, and was just trying to make my brain shut up. Distractions were really helpful, I liked using ice and holding it in my hands or mouth. But also try to pay attention to what's going on when you do feel like hurting yourself, and do mindfulness exercises to help bring you back down from that feeling. Sometimes just stopping and thinking "why am I feeling like this" slows your brain down enough to help

My tactics include occupying my hands. I write a lot and play a lot of games, which not only occupies my hands but also my brain. It’s hard to think bad thoughts when you’re doing things that take up the majority of your brain. Another thing I like to do is take deep breaths. I know that sometimes the thoughts can lead to anxiety and hyperventilating so I make myself focus on getting air to help relax my body which I’m turn helps keep the bad thoughts away

Guppysoup, knowing you are in tears has me in tears haha. Let it out! Crying is a healthy release of emotions. I’m glad to support you! I’m proud of you for how far you’ve come and how far you’ll go. Recovering and healing is a bumpy road but beautiful in its mess. Remember you are worth supporting and fighting for. I hope you find something that helps ❤️

@UnluckyUnicorn Thank you so much for the support, that last sentence actually has me crying 🥲

I have a hobby for hobbies. I figure if I’m busy/distracted with my hands then I can’t do damage. Maybe distraction isn’t the best coping mechanism but better than the alternative. That’s not much help but know you are not alone and that I am rooting for you ❤️