What else can I do beside cutting?

Question

Ok so i cut. I cut myself everywhere. I constanly wear layers of clothes so no one will see my scars. I want to stop so bad. But I can't. Can anyone tell me what is the best way to stop cutting and what else I can do besides cutting?

Answer 1

I think it's great that you want to stop because that's a big step to take. These are some things that I learned in DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) that were helpful for me when I felt like self-harming in any way.

Distraction:
Distraction is simply doing other things to keep yourself from self-harming and you immerse yourself in an activity to completely distract yourself until the urge to harm passes. Things like working on the computer, playing a video game, doing intense exercise, drawing, writing, etc. are good ways to distract
yourself.

Self-Soothing:
This is pretty self explanatory and it's basically doing anything that's soothing for you. Some things to try would be listening to music (just not anything depressing), going out for a walk, taking a bath, doing stretching exercises or yoga or anything that feels relaxing or soothing to you. The thing that you want to do is de-escalate the feelings that are causing you to feel like self-harming.

What you want to try to do is find something that's healthy to get you through those awful feelings until the moment passes and as time goes on the urge to self-harm will lessen.

But I'm leaving the most important thing for last and it's that you should see a therapist who can help you figure out what it is that's causing you to feel like harming yourself. By figuring out where these painful emotions are coming from and learning how to de-escalate the stress levels in a safe way, you can overcome this and lead a more happy life. Really, it is possible. :)

There is also a helpful website called Daily Strength that is an online support community for people who self-harm. They also have resources and information to read through. http://www.dailystrength.org/support/Mental_Health_Addiction/Self-Injury/?OVRAW=%22self-harm%20support%22&OVKEY=self%20harm%20support&OVMTC=standard

I wish you all the best in your recovery, take care

Answer 2

Hrm - well, as mentioned - you should seek professional help.
Try a good habit instead... something that you can not hurt yourself doing but can get out your "emotions" (i didnt know what to call it, sorry ^_^)
You could take up a sport or start a hobby just so you dont think about it as much and so you are getting out your frustration
You could keep a pencil/pen around with you and every time you feel the need to fidget just start writing or drawing - it doesnt have to be anything special - just whatever comes to your mind - even if it wont make sense to anyone else.
I would not suggest eating or chewing gum because you can get way way way overboard with that and in the long run creating another habit (possibly worse depending on how often you cut yourself)...
I would throw away your razor/scissors as well

Answer 3

You and I have the exact same thing in common. But over the years I've started to stop. I started when I was 8. That's a long time. But then I started to think, if I'm still cutting myself at the age of 12 from 8. I might commit suicide when I'm older. If you want to do something besides cutting try doing something else. Like taking rubber bands and snapping them. Believe me it works. Or, go and take a run. Run so much you feel like your going to die. Doing that gets rid of stress. Or just pop in a CD and turn up the volume, LOUD. It works trust me.

Answer 4

You need to talk to someone to help you quit. I now it's hard to quit. I was a cutter once too i know the struggles you need to take it step by step and a day at a time. Do something you enjoed before cutting. Cutting will leave nasty scars i wont wear a bathing suit like all my friends because of the. Please get help. I hope you stop and that this will make you a strongier person!!!

Answer 5

Admitting you have a problem is the very first step, so congratulations on your first step towards recovery. Now for step two, seeking out professional help..
I do not know you, but I am 100% sure of the fact that you are a very special person, and many out there love you, and would love to see you get help.
There is something deep inside that needs to be healed in order for you to heal on the outside, only a true, caring professional will know what to do.
Good luck to you, I will keep you in my prayers.

Answer 6

I've been cutting for 2 years, quiting is hard. You can try writing in a journal, or drawing pictures, but that's not always enough. You need someone to talk to about it, a close friend or a therapist.

you can e-mail me if you want. [e-mail]

Answer 7

try holding a piece of ice to the place you want to cut. hold it there for no less than 30 seconds. take a few deep breaths. and join a support group.

Answer 8

Honey, you have already taken the first step. GOOD FOR YOU. NOW.. dont stop here... go talk to a counselor. Good Luck.

Answer 9

You really need to talk to somebody to find out why you're cutting to help you stop. Please talk to a guidance counselor or psychologist soon before you really hurt yourself.

I hope you find peace soon :)