So I’m going to start quoting now, so here are ForgottenRouge’s words:
Some coping methods for self harm (cutting specifically) that I was given by a counsellor from my college last year. Some of them helped, others didn’t, I suppose it just depends on the person, but I thought I’d share to whoever actually reads this thing, in case they could help someone else.
Counting:
1) Count to ten. If the urge to self harm hasn’t passed, count to ten again. Continue until the urge has gone.
2)Count the amount of scars you have. For example, if you have five scars, wait five minutes before you self harm. Hopefully int the time you wait, you’ll lose the urge to self harm.
Pinching:
This works by creating a similar pain-based sensation to cutting, but only leaves a temporary mark. Try pinching the back of your hand or where you usually self harm first (e.g. arms, wrists, etc.) If this doesn’t work, try hips, lower back, stomach and/or legs. Try not to pinch to the point of bleeding.
Hair band/elastic band:
Works like pinching by creating a painful sensation without leaving scars. Pull hair bobble/elastic band and release so it snaps back to your wrist. Try not to overdo to the point of bleeding.
Writing/Typing:
Try to write (or type if you prefer) down the reasons why you want to self harm and read over them to see if they are really worth it. It might also make you feel better to just write down your feelings, especially if you don’t want to verbally express it or if you just don’t want to talk about it at all.
Creativity:
It’s always a good idea to have a notebook or small sketchbook handy. You don’t need to draw anything in particular, and it doesn’t have to be amazing. It could just be doodles, or scribbles, or simply just colouring in a picture, as long as your hands are busy until the urge to self harm has passed. If you like things like knitting or sewing, try that as well.
