Racing Thoughts wants to

Hi there! I have been and still am in the same boat. I use methods of self harm to distract myself from the stress and panic I have when I get into my head. It’s like for some reason everything bad that I’m thinking finally disappears for a brief moment. I am not sure if you are into tattoos but they have been a life saver for me when I need that “release”. Also, if you’re not into tattoos, I know there are tattoo parlors out there that will “tattoo” you with out ink. it will still cut and scab but it is sanitary and safe. And it’s obviously not permanent. I am not saying that this is the best way to deal with it because obviously that’s not true. However, as someone who feels like they have no control in their life, feeling pain that I have CHOSEN to inflict upon myself helps. Also other methods would be wearing a rubber band and snapping it hard on your wrist when you feel like you need that pain. Or I heard people say if you go on a run, the pain of running is all you focus on and nothing else. I am not a runner personally but I do know people who love this method. Self harm is something we do because it’s something we can control and it snaps us back into reality. I wish you well on finding methods that help you overcome your stress. Just please try and do it safely and sanitary :)

I had racing thoughts like yours too where I felt the urge to hurt myself to try to make them stop. Even though the urge was there, I never gone through with it. This is my own experience but I feel that this happens when we don't have healthy outlets to let out our stress or anxiety. I've gotten much better with that because I started putting more focus on taking care of my mental health/well being by talking to people, Journaling, also reading self help books and doing the exercises, but also learning that the racing thoughts and anxiety can't hurt us because they're not physical threats. There are apps that help whenever you start having racing thoughts. One is called DARE, it helps tons, I hope you get to check it out. No matter how bad the racing thoughts are, they are only thoughts, and they can't hurt you. Your anxiety can't hurt you. Tell yourself this whenever you have those racing thoughts. It takes practice but it really does help.