How to avoid self harm? (May Trigger)
Hi. I am 19. I have been doing self harm since I was young. I never express myself to anybody or nobody really cares to understand. I have used multiple methods to self harm and it is my go to method to express myself and it is like I want to punish myself and doing self harm is the way to do that.
How can I stop this?
@kindNickel9885
I get how difficult this is for you because you've been stuck in this cycle of self harm since you were young and because it feels like noone understands it and because even the few people who might be able to help you don't always find the right things to say. You are obviously resourceful as you are reaching out for help. It may not seem like much but I'm sending you a virtual hug. When I'm struggling I find Journaling is a way to release some tension or colouring can help me stay distracted while I wait for the flood of feelings to pass.
@obstacles I have tried journalism and meditation. Nothing worked. For one second it seems it is helping but then I return to my old self. It is a never ending cycle.
@kindNickel9885
I get that. I'm still in the process of recovering from it too. Journaling used to help me, but it doesn't help me much anymore, and meditating only makes it worse sometimes. I'm also trying to find another better alternative, and I found that physically breaking things help me express myself. Please don't go hurting other people or animals or anything!!! I usually just take pieces of paper, maybe write on it, rip it or something. Sometimes it helps when I exercise, and do some boxing or something. It helps a little at least, I'm still trying to figure it out too.
@kindNickel9885 It is brave of you to talk about self harm. It is not easy to stop. For a long time my 'go to' method was self harm for whenever I felt upset. I am still trying to recover from it. What helps me is distracting myself. By watching a movie, reading a book or listening to music. I have also tried using rubber bands and removing anything potentially sharp from around me.