Replacing the bad with the good
Hi there everyone!
If you're struggling with self harm, I'm sorry to hear that. I am dealing with self harm for about a year and a half, some of them even fatal.
But I made them smaller and less harmful with time, with a simple task.
Every time I thought about hurting myself, I did a specific activity (mine was drawing a hand holding a flower) that was positive instead. Of course it didn't work all the time, but in helps. It is proven that doing something that neurologically is positive to the brain can decrease the majority and the amount of self harms.
So I'd like you to think of a specific thing that is positive. But only one. It could be my thing, and you can suggest other things here. But stick to that one thing every time you think about harming yourself. With time it can really improve.
Feel free you write about your own progress and anything you want.
Good luck :)
@mayaby2001
Hey there! Thank you for sharing your story and what helped you x
It indeed seems to b a great idea to stick to one positive thing to do instead, and have it become a kind of routine. I usually had troubles turning to positive things, but also had this kind of routine activities to do whenever I felt like self-harming, and it helped as well. I'd say doing just anything can help delay the urges and that's always good to take, as sometimes the urge fades, but maybe the combination of doing something, plus that thing being positive, it could have more impact!
Just curious, you said it was proven that doing something neurologically positive to the brain helps decrease the amount of self-harm, is there any specific article or study you
@LinearWaves I'm in a hospital and my therapist told me that hahaha... I'll ask her when I get back if you want.
Take care too <3
Hi there @mayaby2001. I see you are new on the community, so a warm welcome to you! I am really happy you have joined us.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. It is always very helpful to read about tips on alternatives to SH. I can really get that 'replace bad with good' sense. My thing was usually doing something creative, as writing or drawing or crafting. But I never thought of just doing the very same thing all the time and I think that would have added something, as there is comfort in routine.
Thank you again and take care
@admaiorasemper
oops sorry it posted nothing... anyways, I really hope you feel better, and I wish you the best of luck. Also thank you!
Take care too :)