how do i get rid of the urge to cut myself?

Question

ive been cutting for 3 years now and ive tried to stop but i feel as if i cant i just want to stop for my gf she does too and i really want to help her out by showing that i can do it so that she can stop too bc i love her with all of my heart

im 16 years old by the way

Answer 1

wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap yourself with it. or draw on your skin with a red pen or marker. sounds lame but they both help.

Answer 2

I am a cutter too (41yrs old). I am trying to stop this addiction. Some people dont understand how hard it is to stop this. For some people to suggest getting a better hobby or sitting in a corner is of no help and shows no understanding.

Maybe you are bipolar or have another mood disorder that from the highs and lows can bring on the desire. Might be good to talk to a dr or find a support group for cutters or people who used to cut but dont anymore and ask them for their advice or what works for them to not cut anymore. One thing that helped me is having an agreement that when I feel like cutting, I call my counselor before I do. It does work sometimes, due to slowing the emotion down enough to make a call and talk to someone who is understanding.

The reason we cut is because we cant deal with the reality of whatever is going on around us, so counseling is good, he/she can help you find alternative ways to deal with it and get it out without hurting yourself. Cutting gives us an immediate relief of what we are feeling or not feeling, so the best thing for us is to find alternatives that will help us long term.

Answer 3

Cutting is not a problem in and of itself... it is an outward expression of a deeper underlying issue. You (and your GF) need to figure out what is causing the urge. This is a trip you need to take together, and my best advice is not to try and go it alone. You need the help of a professional to help sort it out and give you healthy alternatives to cutting. There are support groups out there for cutters and burners, and usually you can find them by contacting your county public health department. Also try calling United Way First Call for Help (dial 2-1-1 in most of the USA) to hook you up. If those don't work, try the Crisis folks at your local county hospital. If you're still in school, try one of the guidance counselors, they will have an idea who to hook you up with, and will keep quiet about it, no matter how geeky they seem... Good luck to you both! Ed, RN (Psych)

Answer 4

I think with a lot of addictions the urge doesn't ever go away. But the longer you deny it the more natural it will become for you not to do it. When I was your age I cut myself but I haven't for about 5 years. It still comes to mind a lot though. I stopped because of a combination of embarassment when someone would ask about my scars and responsibility when I had my son. Try something else when you are upset, maybe get a punching bag.

Answer 5

Cutting can become an addiction. It releases chemicals in the brain just as drugs do which makes it hard to stop. There are behavioral tricks like snapping a rubber band on your wrist or the red marker thing but usually some counseling is needed.

Answer 6

This cutting needs to stop, you both need urgent help. Don't stop for your girlfriend you must do it for you and only you. I understand that you love her but being together at the moment is the worse thing for both of you, its the same as one practising alcoholic living with another one, zero chance of recovery. You should seek help through your school health worker, your doctor who will refer you to a psychiatrist, anything anyone just get help. Your gf needs to do the same, but until you are both stabilised you need to stay away from each other. It will be hard I know, but you both have your lives ahead you so whats a few months

Answer 7

I've heard recommendations that if you draw on yourself with red marker or hold icecubes in your hand until it hurts, it may be a safe alternative. I'm not sure it works all that well, though. The best advice I have is to look within yourself and try to figure out what kind of feelings trigger it, and learn to recognize those triggers and try to train yourself to find another method that helps you release pain. I would also recommend picking up a self-help book on the topic, because they go into a lot of they psychology of self-mutilation, which might help you to better understand your behavior and find validation in your concerns.

Good luck.

Answer 8

Try refocusing the urge. Use something to take it's place that is less destructive. When you feel the need to cut, try screaming. Or you could try to say a prayer or sing a song. The cutting is more of a repetative action that you have associated with dealing with a problem.

Answer 9

I have the same problem. I have been cutting since I was 13. I'm now 28 and I still get the urge. I wish I could help you but I can't.

...and to G, it is NOT a hobby.

Answer 10

First off honey, you got to figure out WHY your cutting yourself. It shouldn't be that hard to figure out. That goes for your girlfriend also. You both should sit down and talk this all out. Since you both can confide in each other it might be a lot easier then going to a phsy. But talk about this. You have to stop or someone is going to get hurt really bad. Look at your future with each other. If you marry and your children see this what are ya going to do then? Do you want them to think its ok to hurt themselves? PLEASE think about this, ok?
Hope things get better for you two.

Answer 11

this is a serious disorder not just a little thing you do. you need to tell someone, ask someone for help. when your girlfriend sees you gettiing the help then she will too. maybe you can go to a counselor together. I'm guessing parents don't know...but if they do tell them you are ready for counseling. there are free counselors. at your age you have a right to privacy so if you are worried about the folks there's ways around that. please stop I know its hard I'll pray for you both