Is squeezing ice or snaping rubber bands an alternative for cutting?

Question

Or is it just another form of SI?

what about eraser burns?

Answer 1

I've been snapping rubber bands against my wrist for like two weeks, and I haven't managed to even bruise myself yet, so I don't think it does much real damage to your body. I think it's a form of SI in that it hurts, but it doesn't do any real damage so it's not as destructive as cutting which is what makes it a good alternative. It doesn't work as well, though, and I always worry that the people around me know why I'm doing it.

Answer 2

I haven't heard of the snapping rubber bands one but i have read squeezing ice is an alternative to cutting. I also read ripping sheets of paper really slow is suppose to help too. I think anything that doesn't leave a mark on someones body is the best bet as an alternative to cutting.

Answer 3

I believe that those methods can be used as an alternative for cutting. It causes less damage and lasts for shorter periods of time. I think that those methods are good ways of trying to get away from cutting even tho it's still technically SI. It just provides pain in order for a cutter to feel some of the same fix (tho with less intensity)
I view it as someone who's trying to stop smoking and they turn to nicotene gum or a patch for help. You use those things to help get yourself away from cutting in hopes that soom you won't need it any more

Answer 4

I've actually never heard of squeezing ice. However snapping rubberbands can be used for many things. I once read in a weightloss magazine that you should do it in order to "train" yourself what is okay and not okay to eat, by means of punishment. When I was in middle school some kids used to play it as a game too, in order to see who could last longer (ie. the game bloody knuckles). Also, the rubberbands have been used in sex for stimulatus pain, like the whip or hot wax with less intensity.

Answer 5

For me I cannot do that. It makes me want to cut more. In fact, my DBT therapist and leader (two different people) suggested people who self-harm NOT do that if it is at all possible it will make you want to cut. Rubber bands might work for you, but they made it worse for me. By another persons' post it is obvious they do not understand. Please do NOT let that particular post upset you or trigger you. Unless someone has been in the shoes of a cutter, it is hard for them to understand. Lilith is right. Ice cubes is another alternative. As is putting cold water on your face.

Answer 6

it's a form of cutting but the cut only last for min.'s. well, goes away alot sooner then actually cutting. it's better then cutting because less scar's unless you put salt with the ice you are squeezing. then the pleasure is many times greater and burns like a *****. again the pleasure. but if you enjoy it, try to pull back the band as far as possible to see if it will cut. then you will answer your own ?.

Answer 7

Those things are better than cutting... they are safer. It isn't a long term solution though. You are still using physical pain as a coping mechanism. You need to get some good therapy and figure out why you were cutting in the first place. It is possible to find ways to feel good about yourself. It is possible to move beyond cutting and not need it anymore.

Answer 8

Rubber Band Alternative

Answer 9

yes they are alternaties to cutting and obviously they are prefereable to cutting. However, it is best to stop self-harm entirely, ASAP, I think.

Answer 10

my uncles therapist suggested it for him. (rubber band) It didnt work.