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Struggling with Self-Harm: Seeking Advice and Coping Strategies

salt

760d

tw: self h I just cut myself after almost a few months of not cutting. I hate doing this. I hate it. What do you guys do instead when you feel that urge to? What works best for you? I just got diagnosed for it, although I have many years prior with it being undiagnosed. I just got out of the hospital after staying there for almost a month. I didn’t cut myself at all there or did anything bad because of how safe it felt there. It was my first time ever going to professionals straight up for these things. I’m still learning how to cope and i don’t feel safe enough, I hate it. I hate it so much. I hate being like this. Stupid feelings. I want to learn how to cope and get better.

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Top reply
    • KikiKiss

      760d

      Instead of beating myself up about it when I do self harm I show myself love I make sure wounds do not get infected, clean them properly and accept what happened to start. I know how scary the urge to self harm is that overwhelming sense, for me I make myself get out go somewhere public not like crazy busy but just outside, I jam out walking around or in my car, walk a pet or if your comfortable enough doing it I tell my friends about the urge to get a distraction, and lastly getting rid of the things that I have used to self harm so if I do really want to hurt myself again I have to go out and buy said things which makes me have to get in my car and gives me time to think and breathe about what I'm going to do to myself 9/10 by the time I get to the store the urge has passed

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    • RyeJaack

      757d

      One of my therapists listed "getting a tattoo" as one of the "healthy" alternatives to self h. So yeah. Go ham and make spontaneous tattoo choices. Or something else that feels just as drastic but is healthy- or healthier than self h. Make a polka dot on your arm that's like as big as a nickel. Do that every time and you'll have a polka dot sleeve. Seems like bad advice, but man, I love pattern tats. If it seems like a too drastic measure then maybe compare that to how you feel about self h. Reevaluate your love for your body.

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    • KittyKatKuo

      759d

      Get a pen and draw cuts on yourself instead, fine points are best. This makes the body think it's being done because the fine tip is pressing into the flesh just the right amount of force without breaking the skin. Doodle on your skin if you feel like it with it too.

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      • salt

        759d

        @KittyKatKuo Smart idea, thank you<3

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        • KittyKatKuo

          759d

          @salt if you have a partner you can also have them partisapate in the doodling. It can be a great bonding excersise and even a nonsexual intimacy. They can draw or put beautiful words on you and you can too or even if they are willing you can doodle on them. I would suggest you only do this if your within a certain level of calm. Remind yourself it is a addiction and just like addictions it's hard and you may slip up, but you will come out on top in the end. Never feel you failed when it happens, forgive yourself and take care of you wounds each time. This is just growing pains, you'll see the other side soon.

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    • Emrys.the.warrior

      759d

      Supposedly if you dunk your face into ice water it will kind of shock your nervous system and slow down your heart rate (in order to survive the cold and not drown) hopefully this will help at least disrupt the urge 🤍 and remember it’s not your fault. SH is addicting. Just keep trying

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    • Gogrta

      759d

      Hey I completely understand. I've been clean for almost 3 months, I'm struggling tremendously everyday to just cut or just😥

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    • AnimeOverwatchGamer

      759d

      The thought of self harming makes me shiver...you have to love who you are and understand that you are imperfect and make mistakes. You have to try to remain calm when you feel pressured. It's not the end of the world as it may seem to be. Stay strong.

      2

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    • KikiKiss

      760d

      Instead of beating myself up about it when I do self harm I show myself love I make sure wounds do not get infected, clean them properly and accept what happened to start. I know how scary the urge to self harm is that overwhelming sense, for me I make myself get out go somewhere public not like crazy busy but just outside, I jam out walking around or in my car, walk a pet or if your comfortable enough doing it I tell my friends about the urge to get a distraction, and lastly getting rid of the things that I have used to self harm so if I do really want to hurt myself again I have to go out and buy said things which makes me have to get in my car and gives me time to think and breathe about what I'm going to do to myself 9/10 by the time I get to the store the urge has passed

      4

      Reply

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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