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Cypher

Updated 10mo ago

How do you distract yourself from self-harm?

What works the best for you to keep your mind off of SH? It feels like quarantine again for me and I really need to get out of the house, any suggestions?

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MariahAnn

2y

I've been told by professionals in the mental health field that the feeling of "I need to SH" only lasts 15 minutes and if you can get through that then you'll be fine. I've been told a lot of different techniques to help get through that 15 minutes. Hold an ice cube in your hand until it melts, put a hair tie or rubber band on your wrist and snap it, if you're religious you can pray, draw with a pen wherever on your body you want to SH, go for a walk if you can or go for a drive if that's more your thing. I have more saved that I can find for you if you want. But, for me, the "15 minutes and you'll be fine" thing doesn't work. For me, I obsess over it until I can get the relief that I feel after SH, or until I get distracted long enough for the feeling to go away, which for me can take several days sometimes. It helps so much if I can throw myself into something completely. Reading a book I'm really interested in, painting or drawing something and being as detailed as I can, going on a walk in nature somewhere and taking photos of pretty things. Basically anything I'm very interested in and usually get really excited about, and just throw myself into it and keep it going as long as possible and trick my brain into forgetting about the "I need to SH!!" feeling. Cuddling with my S.O. or my son (he's 4) also really helps me, but I do recognize that not everyone has an S.O. or is a parent.
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Dad.of.Many

2y

yes, I am the same way. I've heard the same thing from doctors and psychiatrists, but I feel the ones who say that have no idea what it means to be one who SH's. I, too, throw myself into drawing and painting and also jewelry making while listening to my favorite music growing up, until the want fades.
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Iza

2y

hey I totally agree with you! Using a rubber band to pull back and have it snap on your wrist is actually A pretty good copy mechanism. But I do have a question cuz sometimes I will sh in the moment because I'm just feeling so bad. How do I remember to use these coping mechanisms in the moment?
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Or

2y

Honestly the only thing that actually works for me is going to spend time with a friend, someone who I love that loves me. Being engaged with a person totally takes my mind off of it, and pretty much every time afterwards I really do not want to hurt myself anymore

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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