a) The classic “stout rubber band” – i.e.; attach a rubber band around your wrist as if it were a bracelet and when things get tough FLICK IT HARD!! Bloody hurts, doesn’t do any major damage, and you can make it look like you’re just playing/fiddling.
b) Bag of Frozen Peas – hadn’t thought of this one until someone at the hospital mentioned it. Again, when the urge strikes, grab a bag of frozen peas and hold it. Really does hurt more than you think! And again, no damage, awesome.
c) Take a very hot or very cold shower – I’ve done this one a lot, and it really helps (plus, gets you clean – and naked – always a bonus!)
d) Chew something with a very strong taste such as chili or ginger root.
e) Beat the living shit out of a pillow! God this can help relieve stress! I mean it; just spank the living daylights out of the thing. You won’t be harming yourself, or someone else, both bonuses!
f) Distract yourself. It’s a tough one this because when I get into the self-harm mode it’s hard for me to focus on something else, but this does work. Have a bubble bath and read a book, listen to music, dance, sing, jive, boogey, write, something! It’s great if you have a friend to call, give them a ring and just chat about anything, even if they don’t know about the self harm just talking to someone about anything can take your mind off things. Or if they know you self-harm, see if they can come over for a while to help take your mind off things. Most friends are willing to do this if they’re able. You could always check out a list of ways to distract yourself here…
g) Lastly for today, if it’s the blood which you need to see grab yourself a red texta and draw your own wound! This is best used with one of the other examples above, but maybe not all at the same time, eh?
See also:
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DOs and DON’Ts of Self Injury (great for friends of those who self harm)
[...] Seven Ways to help stop SI [...]
hi, top of your list is snapping bands, but ive done that for a while now and i’ve gotten used to it. it doesnt hurt enough anymore. what do i do now?
any sugestions? thanks for the pages.
i used the rubber band one for a while but to be honest it wasn’t a good idea for me. i did it so much it ended up cutting the skin anyway
never thought of the shower one though
ive done like all of these things but the best one that works for me is the really hot shower because its just like no one can come in and stop you but its also kinda hard because like if its my parents who made me mad then they often wont let me leave my room so then i use the rubber band but thats honestly starting to get old
HELP!!! I cant get any rubber bands and my Friends are useless! I need other ways to cope. =’[
Well i really wanna tel lsomeone, but my friends are the knid who will like stab me, should i tell them?
If any1 needs some1 to reach out to and talk to, I have 5 options best for u
1. The hopeline (1-800-397-hope ((4673))www.thehopeline.com
2. The nineline (all 1800 numbers listed r toll free!) (1-800-999-9999)
3. Me! Contact me at thejourneytoabetterme@gmail.com I’ve been through heartbreak deception, addiction, and cutting and I would love to help some1!
4. Find a trusted family member ( my cousin and aunt worked out 4 me, go call sone1 and it doesn’t have to be ur immediate family!)
5. A trusted friend ( they should have these qualities 1. Known for quite a while 2. Best to confide in a friend older than u 3. Try a friend who doesn’t go to school with or work with.)
I hope this helps. Let the secret out! Secrets only die in the light!
Whoops I meant for 1. 1-800-394-hope not 397. Sry!