What is the best way to stop self harming?

Question

I have been self harming by cutting myself for 7 months and want to stop, what is the best way?

Answer 1

I don't think there is a 'best' way. You need to find a way to avoid the cycle that ends in you feeling that self injury will release anguish. Self harming is a way of silent screaming. By recognising how you feel you can make changes. Like - keep some ice cubes in the freezer to crunch or to rub on your skin, or some cut up fresh lemons in the fridge, or write loads and loads of feelings down on a piece of paper and then tear it into tiny shreds, this way you can write whatever you want! Go for a run, do some sport, phone a friend, if you are young, phone childline, of older, the Samaritans, you can contact them via the web. Find someone you trust who will help you, talk, sharing painful thoughts can help. Good luck, I wish you well.

Answer 2

Cognitive Behaviour therapy describes various cycles and patterns of behaviour. You are taught how to intervene in the cycle and re-design the ending. Its very effective, partly because it helps you understand why you do what you do, and partly because it puts you in control of the therapy process; the 'cure' is designed by you and seems reasonable, realistic and achievable.
With self harm, tension builds up over a period of time; the harm is used to release the tension and anxiety (If its going to happen I may as well get it over with). Unfortunately the harm gets the credit for ending the tension. But the original problem isn't fixed so the tension builds up again, and next time you are more likely to self harm as it seems to work.
You can stop cutting yourself by using an ice cube instead; wet it under the tap and hold it in your fist; squeeze as tight as you can. You'll get the same pain and release; but you'll also feel more positive because you haven't caused yourself any harm.
Some people deal with problems by excessive jogging, or alcohol, or drug use. You are not doing any of those things and you are looking for a positive ending to the problem; don't forget to give yourself credit for that.

Answer 3

Why don`t you see your doctor to see if there are any self help groups in your area. Also ask him to arrange counselling for you a.s.a.p. Try and remove any sharp things in the house that would enable you to self harm. Try and think positive and focus on any good things in your life. Arrange a treat or holiday in a few months time and focus on that. There is always the samaritans available to talk 24/7 Good Luck and take care best wishes.

Answer 4

Go 2 ur doctors and ask 2 be refered 2 a mental health professional. The only way 2 find out y u do this 2 urself is 2 talk with them and u will eventually understand y u do this. Because u dont know y just thinkin it through on your own. It will have something 2 do with whats goin on in ur life at the moment.

Answer 5

I think the best way is really to get help from a professional. If you are too afraid to do this, then put a braclet around both your wrists. Then, when you pick up a knife or whatever you use to cut, you will remember not to do this to yourself. It really can help you. If it does not, remind yourself of what you are doing to yourself. Think about the pain you cause, the damage, and for what, nothing! Just remember you can overcome this, keep your self-esteem and self-image high, and you WILL stop!

Answer 6

When you feel like self harming squeeze some ice in your hand. Self harming is a way to release the pain you are feeling and squeezing the ice should have the same effect. Take care x

Answer 7

self mutalation is a mental addiction. I think you should also get soem help/ However it is possible to stop. I use to do it 5 years ago. U need to be in therapy. I was and it helped. Now I have 3 kids and i realize they would not be taken care of the right way so just find something that means a lot to you and it will help.

Answer 8

Go to a therapist. They will teach you how to stop self harming. It is better that way. Because they will provide you with tools (tricks)that you can use life long to avoid self harming.

Answer 9

I believe this is a kind of OCD. It's your mind that just cannot get this obsession of cutting out of it. Solution is common to all OCD: just forget about it. Seriously. Think of it as a drug, everytime you think of this is like getting a sip of drug, until you cannot give it up anymore. Resist it. It is tempting, I know. Just look the other way. Erase it off your mind. And try to think of nothing for a few minutes, concentrate on a sound for that.

Answer 10

This is a genetically inherited mental problem. I forget the name of the syndrome, but it is serious and requires professional diagnosis and treatment. If you don't have a doctor you can go to an emergency room and they will find you the professional help you need.