Cutting....?

Question

I have a real problem. I cut myself. I'd appreciate it if you didn't call me a dick or *** hole or whatever because I know that it's wrong and I know I'm pretty stupid for starting. But that's not the point. Does anyone know of any good tricks to ween yourself off of it? I've been addicted now for a while and I don't know how to stop. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Cutting is an unhealthy coping mechanism, that people turn to because they either for whatever reason didn't learn other ways to deal with things, or those other methods aren't working for them. So in order to really recover from cutting, you need to learn healthier ways to deal with things, and address whatever underlying issues you're using the cutting to deal with. The best thing is if you can see a counselor about that. Depending what's going on, there may even be medications that can help with whatever feelings are causing you to cut in the first place.

Appart from that, there are a number of things you can do in place of cutting, like snapping a rubber band against your wrist, or squeezing ice cubes. Try taking whatever you normally cut yourself with, and slicing up cardboard or even clay instead of your skin. Try drawing on your arm with red marker. You might find that ripping up paper, or scribbling on something helps if you cut when you're angry or frustrated. If you cut when you're sad over overwhelmed but kind of calm, you might find that writing in a journal or drawing helps you express what you're feeling in a non-destructive way.

Answer 2

1-800-DONT-CUT