How to stop cutting? Is there any other way to release pain? Help!!!! Tips please?

Answer 1

I'm a therapist and I agree with all the folks here who speak from personal experience that you need to speak with a professional that can help you explore healthier alternatives. The longer you wait, the harder it gets, so please seek some assistance. Cutting really only works for a while and eventually it'll lose it's charm and you may find yourself cutting deeper and more often in order to achieve the same effect.

I also wanted to correct some information mentioned here that cutting is most closely associated with being Bipolar-that isn't true and there is nothing in your post to remotely suggest you are Bipolar. Medication may help somewhat to control a mood disorder, if present, but it is unlikely to be the whole solution, but therapy will help if you're ready to stop.

Just a couple of ideas to help get you started-try to stop in small steps. Set yourself a goal to not cut for 4 hours and when you've mastered that, set yourself a goal to refrain for 8 hours or 1 day or one week, etc., depending on how frequently you are cutting. Take it one day, one hour at a time if necessary. What you'll also find is that as you go for longer and longer periods of time without giving in to the urge to cut, you'll become more aware of all your feelings and what is driving them and therapy can really help you to understand it better and give you options to consider. Ultimately you need to make a choice to stop the behavior or it won't stop. But for starters, try making a choice to refrain for a little longer than usual and challenge yourself to extend the time for longer and longer intervals. Setting a goal to stop can be daunting, but breaking it down into steps usually works and it allows you gradual access to your emotions so you can learn alternate methods of coping a little at a time.

Rubber bands, drawing a red line with a marker or ice are substitutes and some folks do find this helpful, but ultimately you need to break away from the cycle of causing yourself pain in order to numb up your emotions.

One other thought to consider. What you experience when you cut is really more like relief from pain than it is like truly feeling happy. The absence of pain is not the same as feeling happy, so don't settle for less than really being happy. Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

You should first seek medical attention, to make sure you don't have any serious cuts. Then you should sit down with pen and paper and write down what causes the pain.
Sometimes, when I feel like the world is dumping on top of me, I get my bible and pray and read scriptures.
The Bible approach may not be for you. I try to not push it on people, that is where the pen and paper will come in handy to get it all out, read it over and over and write out beside each sentence or paragraph things you can do to either change or improve that particular situation. If there is someone you feel really close to, you could talk to them indirectly, maybe like you are talking about a friends problems instead of your own, just to get some insight on what they think about what you are feeling.
Help i usually only a phone call away, people don't realize it, but there is always someone that will listen.
Other ways to release pain are to cry, exersise, meditate, go to the park, walk the dog, home improvement.

Anything to take your mind off of the pain until you are ready to sit, rationally and think about the cause of the pain.

Seek medical attention, a counselor or preacher, that will keep your business, just that Your Business, but can offer advise that will help you.

Answer 3

i was a cutter myself... i had to get proffesional help. Seems you have already done the first step by admitting that you have a problem... dont feel like you are going to be judge it's natural most people do that for a variety of reason whether it was physical or mental abuse, anger held with in, anxiety etc. The point is you need help the same I once recognized it. The sooner the better. Once you find a physcologist, he/she will ask you to express what you feel, when do you get that feeling of cutting and why. Afterwards you might be reffered to a physiciatrist they will give you medication according to your needs.They will start you with a small dosage then slowly increase until they see you improving and cut the meds shortly away from you, with you being left to a better thinking and gracious period, and hopefully stop cutting and feel comfortable with yourself.

Answer 4

Self mutilation is most often a sign of Bi-Polar disorder; there are many ways to get help, a Behavioral therapist is a psychologist that can get you going in the right direction. then
a family doctor or most MD's can get you started on the proper Med's once you have a definite diagnosis. What ever you do my friend, please do not go any longer without consulting with a professional; your life has purpose, and you can be a very productive and fulfilling member of society, not to mention that you will feel so much better . Every tomorrow is a new day; please take the right step, and I can promise you that each new day will be better than the day before.

Answer 5

My friend it really sounds like you need to visit the nearest emergency room ASAP so that you can be admitted in a psychiatric ward & I mean it in a positive way. You need psycho therapy. They'll place you a medication to control your urges of cutting yourself & find out the root what is causing you to be in such pain. I am speak from experience. Seek professional help this one monster that you can not handle on your own. I know it's a hard descsion tyo make or a step. DO NOt worry what others may think even family. Do it to STOP the hurt. God Bless You! Email me if need to talk.

Answer 6

Keep yourself occupied. The less free time you have, the less time there is to hurt yourself.
Have someone to call if you feel like you're going to hurt yourself.
Take a cold or hot shower to change your state of awareness. This helps a lot.
Try punching something like a pillow or a couch cushion.
Tense all the muscles in your body for 20-ish seconds and then relax them. When you relax your muscles, your entire being becomes relaxed.
Ways to get the same effect as cutting without the harmful effects are holding ice cubes, sticking your arm in a cold bucket of water, or running your hands under the cold faucet.

Answer 7

put your pain into something else, cry, scream, talk to someone, or start writing how you feel. ive heard that rubber bands help. if youre depressed, then try to be around ppl that arent negative. exercise also makes you happy, it gives you endorphins and other chemicals, trust me, i was seriously depressed until i started jogging every day a couple of months ago. go outside, if youre ever about to cut, the outdoors will make you feel better, go for a walk or sumtin. if you cut on a daily basis and if you are seriously depressed then get help. depression is a serious thing that you cant control, talk to someone about it, go to a psychologist or counselor.

Answer 8

You would be better off buying the book "Heal Your Body" by Louise Hay and Meditate and find the root to your problems

Don't let fear hold you back you have a problem and by cutting yourself gives you some sort of self satisfaction and what happens when you don't get the frill anymore ?
You are just trying to find attention and make everyone around you suffer with the thought of finding you dead wake up and as Dr Phill would say Get real with yourself

Love & Blessings
Milly

Answer 9

This is a very serious mental health issue that can't be cured here in this forum. THere are no tips except you need the help of a medical professional and medication. Please try this...you will feel so much better about the world in general and specifically about yourself.

Answer 10

to stop cutting u need to go see a therapist and to realese pain, u can get into boxing or painting, try to find a hobby that can help u relax when u r mad or sad. i wish u good luck. i hope i was able to help u.