I need help with Self-Harm and abusive parents, as well declining mental health.

I used to use ice instead of a razor. I surround myself with positive things. I have a panic room. (It's actually a spare bedroom with a desk and a massive book collection like a private library) but I go inside and have my coping tools. I like the TV show Dr who so I read Dr who quotes. I google images of mountain streams, mountains, surfing, turtles. I surround myself with happy things. I also bake cookies, pies and garden.

I try not to let myself sink too low before I start coping.

Ice is my go-to, too especially when the the urges are at their worst. I put an ice pack (or bag of fruits/veggies) over my eyes and leave them on for a little while. You can also squeeze a frozen orange. But before they get bad, you can try self soothing (bath, shower, essential oils in a diffuser), watching something funny, or working on some sort of project (I do various crafts and play the uke and sing). You don’t have to be an expert (because I certainly am not!). It’s the learning process that helps distract you. Sorry this is long 🙃 I hope you feel better soon!

I put ice where I want to cut or burn myself. I actually sometimes use my anxiety to fight the self harm. I go into an anxiety attack and I feel like I'm suffocating, but I tell myself this is the only time I can enjoy being unable to breathe. (I can't purposely suffocate myself) but I choose to pretend I feel like I'm suffocating because I'm at the bottom of a lake not because it is anxiety. I'm hyperventilating but I imagine that the anxiety IS KILLING me and I tell myself I AM DIEING. THIS IS ME DIEING. IT WILL BE OVER SOON! but then I calm down. Yes yes yes coping it's just a distraction. And also I have an ocarina like legend of Zelda ocarina of time. you play the uke? Is that the Japanese internment? Stinged I think? I think that's what Nintendo used to play the music in legend of Zelda breath of the wild.

@gakutini

Hi! I have been on the journey of coping with my mental health and what I have learned is that many times it is circumstances that make me more depressed, such as prolonged periods of unemployment, uncertain outcomes, breakdown of social circle, death of a loved one, lack of direction in life, etc. If I get these resolved, which takes time, it helps my mental health.

Self harm for me is a way my body is saying that it has pain that needs to be let out. So I let it out in various ways;

Boxing/punching bag

Squeezing ice cubes in my hand, creates pain similar to self harm

Haiku poems/poetry/writing

Calling a crisis line and venting

Don't be hard on yourself. Some days you will self harm because the emotions are so high. Keep trying other options then self harm until you find a way out. :)

I also bake to take my mind off things

Thank you all you replied... your suggestions are really helpful and i'll try to use those. Thank you very much! :D