self harm and cleaning blades?

Question

Whats the best things to use to clean your things. i.e boiling water..................................

Its not like i can just hop down the docs all there do is tell me to go to counselling and maybe pills thats it.

Answer 1

I disagree with everyone who has posted - its very sensible to know how to manage your incidents of self harm. I hope you also keep basic first aid kit near you, so that you can reduce the damage you do.

I don't know the best way / safest way to clean the things - I would guess it was ensuring that the blades are thrown away when any signs of rust etc. Don't know if you have tried holding an ice cube when you want to self harm to see if that takes the pressure off.

There is a great book by Louise Pembroke on Self Harm. There are also lots of self help groups - check out MIND web site, or put self harm into google and find one near you. Good luck in getting the support you need.

Answer 2

This is a very difficult subject for the general public to understand. From the outside it does seem crazy to cut your own skin until you bleed, but from the other side of the blade it may seem like the only way to keep your sanity. There is a process that cutters go through that only other cutters can understand: something bothers them causing intense emotion (anxiety, disappointment,fear,ect). They find the only way they can cope with the surge of emotion is to cut. This causes a release of endorphins in their brain that soothes them and relieves the upsetting emotion. After they feel better the guilt sets in and the whole process starts allover again. 80% of cutters have been abused in some way (physically,sexually,or mentally) during childhood. It is a very addictive behavior and it is very dificult to stop without some sort of psychological intervention. Cutters are not usually crazy, they are just people, usually teens, who need help but do not have the emotional capacity to ask for it. One last thing, cutting is NOT a suicide attempt. Cutters DO NOT want to die, they just want to stop hurting.
As far as how to clean the blades--disposable is the best way to go if you insist on continuing. Better yet, ask someone you trust for help. Let them know what you have been doing before you get in too deep. You'd be surprised how understanding people can be and how much they care for you, even if you don't care for yourself. Most of all, you are not a freak and you are not alone. Good Luck and God bless!!

Answer 3

I would use a fresh blade every time - they don't cost a lot and once you've used them once they blunt a lot - that's when you're more at risk of infection. I've ripped apart disposable razors before and after 1 or 2 cuts they're buggered but i've carried on using them and got the scars to prove it. If you must re-use them I'd suggest surgical spirit - you can get it from Superdrug or Boots for between £1 and £2 a bottle. Otherwise antiseptic or alcohol (vodka is best). Also, put something on your wounds afterwards - Sudacrem is great, Savalon is good - anything to stop infection. Please try to talk to someone though. It can help. No-one I knew understood why I did it but then I saw a psychotherapist through the NHS and he made me look at it differently. If you don't like the first counsellor you meet, don't be afraid to ask for another one. Good luck mate!

Answer 4

Self harm and cleaning blades? I'm sorry, you have be beat on this question. May I suggest you take a good look at yourself. You may not like what you see, but what the heck! You are you, and who should change it. I would advise that if you have a serious problem get professional help NOW. The best way to clean blades is not to use them in the first place. When ever you consider causing yourself harm, ask the question; why am I doing this? Then get help on the answer to that question.
Please take care of yourself from now on!!!

Answer 5

Povidone/iodine solution- it is available at most drug stores, also be sure to clean your cuts with an antiseptic like bactine or hydrogen peroxide or whatnot. That being said, there are many other nondestructive and productive ways to manage your emotions rather than to take it out on your body; it is hard to stop-I know, I've been there, and it is a sort of addiction. If you do it to punish yourself, realize that this is not helpful to your personal growth, and rather than castigate yourself for what you dislike about yourself, take proactive steps to change what is bothering you if you think it is that bad.

Answer 6

if you're going to cut yourself, at least do it with a clean blade. Soak it in hydrogen peroxide (a bottle at the store is only 80 cents or so). But get yourself some help. You are not a freak and you are not crazy, but you need help. Go talk to a school councelor or a church leader, or tell a good friend and have them contact an adult for you. I know that you're in pain and that cutting, for some twisted way, seems to make it better, but it won't. Believe me.

Answer 7

clean in hot boiling water in salt i do but you need help Hun see Dr or call crisis line 01924512000 ask for extension 5259/5249
they are open all night and can really help Hun

Answer 8

Get a job as a Secretary with a Lawyer

Answer 9

If you really are so depressed then maybe going to see someone who will help is the answer. This is really serious and the sooner you realise you need help the better.

Answer 10

I know you don't want to hear this, but you do need serious professional help. Go to your doctor and ask for counselling.

What you are doing is very dangerous and will probably leave you with serious scars for a very long time. You do need help to stop this.