how do i stop cutting?

Question

i havent cut in a month and dont want to start again. two weeks ago, i had a really really close call. i would like to hear some suggestions that deviate from the normal rubber bands, playing soothing music, etc. methods. they dont really help me. also, would prefer to have a suggestion that isnt "omg, youve got problems, go see a professional". i know i have problems and need to fix them... i would prefer not to have to see a professional, im putting it off to see if i cant find a better, less expensive alternative. answers are appreciated. thanks!

Answer 1

i used to cut myself and i havent for 2 months when ever you feel cutting draw something it doesnt matter what it is or write about how you feel or get red food dye and put little drops of it in the sink what i did was i started write poetry or put a rubber band around your wrist (or where ever you want to cut) and snap it

trust me this stuff worked for me it will most likely work for you

Answer 2

1. Get rid of all the items you use to cut (ie. razors, scissors, knives etc). Throw them away.
2. Think about what some of the triggers are. It may be a situation (ex: being alone at home) or a certain emotional state (loneliness, sadness, insecurity, frustration etc) that happens right before you experience the urge to cut. The more you know about what the triggers are, the better equipped you'll be to prevent the problem feeling/situation from happening in the first place.
3. When you feel the urge to cut, remove yourself from cutting environment. For example, if the cutting usually takes place in the bathroom or bedroom, go to a different room. And if it usually takes place alone, go somewhere where there are people.
4. Try to tolerate the discomfort of not cutting. It is difficult (as you already know) but bearable. Over time it will get easier.
5. As others have said, try to distract yourself. Try selecting activities that are somewhat repetitive and also enjoyable. Also something that takes a reasonable amount of mental effort. Try solitare, suduko, knitting, cleaning etc.
6. If you're sure you don't want to consult with a counselor or psychologist, then try purchasing a self-help WORKBOOK. Just look on amazon and see what you find. There will be plenty of insightful worksheets, resources and suggestions.

Answer 3

All the suggestions here are good ones. The only thing I have to add is that the best way to stop doing these things is to figure out what triggers them in the first place. You probably already know a good deal about your feelings before these episodes start, but sometimes you have to dig deeper and see if there isn't something else.

As for getting professional help, it really would be the best thing to do. As another stated, there are ways to get help for free if cost is an issue. Investigate facilities near you and find one that seems most able to accomodate your needs and limitations, then ask them about getting financial help. Most already know several alternatives and can point you in the right direction. If the person you speak to doesn't know or doesn't want to help, ask to speak to that person's supervisor or choose another psychiatrist. With a little work, you'll find the answers you need.

One personal thing I'd like to mention is that although I don't have your specific problem, I too need an outlet for things when I'm feeling overwhelmed or extremely stressed. One person mentioned writing poetry. That is a good suggestion. Another would be to just write everything you think and feel until it drains out of you. Doesn't have to be poetic or novel quality material. Just write and see where it takes you...rant, rave...whatever you feel like doing. Sometimes I address these 'rants' to the person I'm most angry at. Other times, I address it to a group of people. I may never send any of this out to anyone, but just getting it out and in print helps me regain my focus. Sometimes these rants turn into really cool stories that I build on at a later time, identifying with a specific character and forcing out my troubles into 'his' life, then figuring out how he could get out of whatever jam he's in.

Last, finding a song that I identify with helps me immensely. I don't take comfort in soothing music such as classical when stressed. My personal favorite 'pick me up' song is "Bounce" by Bon Jovi. If you haven't heard it, it's about getting knocked down repeatedly, but always coming back up fighting. If that's not something that appeals to you, perhaps there are others that would.

Try the writing. Try music and self analyzing, or try something else that allows you to vent in a undamaging way, but please do your best to get the help of a qualified psychiatrist. Although I'm not an expert, I do believe the person who said it was a chemical imbalance was right. There are meds that can help and should help make your life happier in the long run. I hope you find a way that works for you soon. I believe you can do it. Just keep trying, keep searching for your inner strength and good luck. I hope some part of this helps.

Answer 4

I've been a mild self-injurer for two-three years. I haven't done it now in a few months and I'm over 90% sure I won't do it again. My method? Clothes shopping. I know it sounds weird, but the more I get shirts that are sleeveless the more I'm disgusted with the faint burn marks I have. I've been making the marks get less noticeable with Mederma and it's helping. I also wear bracelets from claire's to dress up my look and am exercising more. I spend my free time learning a new language - something that's fun and soothing. So if I feel bad I don't injure myself... I do something productive. I've changed my attitude. Especially now that it's summer. If you STOP FOCUSING on your self harming/cutting and add new things to your life you should start getting better on your own.

Also, you can keep your hands busy. I love playing around with smart mass (an advanced type of silly putty) from thinkgeek.com

Answer 5

I too have self destructive tendencies ( I pick instead of cut - it's truely awful). I have been trying to quit doing it on my own and so far have failed. I did stop for about 2 years and then I have know idea when I started up again. It's worse than ever. My doctor recently put me on antidepressants ( for entirely different reasons) and it seems to be slowing me down some. Mine seems to be worse when I am stressed. I know you don't want to seek out professional help but it may be the best thing. I am convinced I need to do so but I haven't gotten the courage up yet. The fact that you know it's a problem is the first step. And kudos to you for not giving in to your close call! I wish I had some better info for you. I just wanted to wish you best of luck in your recovery. I hope you find what works for you!

Answer 6

It helps just to make yourself busy rather than having the time to think about cutting, perhaps do some voluntary work for someone less fortunate, it might help take the attention of yourself. If you cant afford to see a professional then perhaps go to someone u trust to talk about the issue, sometimes its good to talk to someone neutral who isnt going to judge but it is not easy. I would be fake if I said it was. It helps a lot having a trusted friend or relative or family member.

Answer 7

Hello Darlin'.

I understand what you are going through. I am a self-injurer also. For me it was difficult to find somthing that would distract me from the thought, and I too, couldn't use the normal methods of the rubberbands, music, ect.

Although you've already made it clear, remember that advice is NOT a substitute for professoinal advice.

Since I don't have any other distraction methods, I am going to give you 4 websites to visit. The first two have been the more welcoming and the first one is absolutely amazing. They are all forum sites, and you can post anything with having to be afraid of what someone will say when you post. I hope these sites help you on your way to recovery!!! GOOD LUCK, and STAY SAFE!!!!!

http://www.soberteensonline.com/forums (http://www.soberteensonline.com) [my personal favorite, it's a very small caring community too! all ages!]

http://www.recoveryourlife.com/forum (http://www.recoveryourlife.com) [a bigger forum, still caring! all ages!]

http://www.virtualteen.org/forums
(http://www.virtualteen.org) [forums for more of the 'younger' teens and tweens, ages 10-16.]

http://www.careplace.com [forums for the older teens and adults, ages 17 +]

Answer 8

do something that takes your mind off the things that make you want to cut. what do you like to do? doing something that you really enjoy and that relaxes you can help relieve the feelings that make you want to cut. when im upset or angry, i either draw, paint, or play my piano or saxophone. if you don't have something like that you can do, maybe something like cleaning or running or playing sports that can get rid of that bad energy you have. doing something more constructive and active can put you in a better mindset and take your mind off wanting to cut. if you have someone you can trust to talk to that is good too, but i also know that sometimes you just need to be alone.

Answer 9

The only way to stop is to find something else you can do instead. It has to be something that helps you release emotions in the same way. Think about other things you could do when you get the urge. I used to draw or punch a bag, but its gotta be something that works for you.

Answer 10

I know how you feel. i would cut myself a lot and didnt know what to do. i know this sounds werid but writing poetry really helped me just getting everything out even if it hasent happend to you but u feel like you know their pain write it. that is one thing that helped me and SORRY seeing a professional just talking to someone helps also. now i am on meds and (sorry tom cruse) they have saved my life i honestly would not be here for all the things i just said.