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How can I stop the thoughts from coming in so I could stop hurting myself?

17 Answers
Last Updated: 03/23/2021 at 4:19pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
ForeverForgiven
August 24th, 2015 11:05pm
First off, I need to tell you congratulations for recognizing that hurting yourself isn't healthy and for wanting to stop. That's a big step. Unfortunately, the thoughts sometimes can't be stopped. What I found helped me most, was finding a good support system. People whom I could contact when the thoughts were getting overwhelming. Find some good friends that you trust and don't want to disappoint or lie to. Anytime you have an urge to harm yourself, contact them. Or you can set timers. One minute. I can make it one minute without harming myself. Then another minute. Then five minutes. Then 10. 15. 20. Keep going until the urge is gone.
Anonymous
March 23rd, 2021 4:19pm
Thoughts like this can be a horrible feeling at times. I know because I've had them as well. What usually works is to find new hobbies, keep your mind busy, learn something new like a language or a new sport. Keeping your mind busy will train it to think less and less of this and as soon as you know it it'll be easier to control it. Talking to someone you trust also helps because talking does more than we actually think it does. It gets hard but always remember that you are not alone and you are loved. I hope this helped
Anonymous
April 16th, 2018 7:39am
Try to do something that makes you happy and something that you love. Like singing, playing music, drawing or whatever it is.
goldenLove85
October 25th, 2016 2:39pm
by focusing ont he little things in life each day will become easier surrounf yourself with anything good and your life and outlook will be better
morningperson
July 12th, 2016 1:32pm
The trick is not to stop the thoughts, but to recognise them for what they are.. Negative thoughts, that make you feel bad about yourself.. Have the thought, recognise it's damaging, then let it go..
Anonymous
March 14th, 2016 5:35am
Use your imagination to take the Sun in your hands from the sky and place it in your heart. Then reach up and grab the moon, place it in the Sun, in your heart. This allows for amazing things to happen, for me it slows down time.
Anonymous
February 9th, 2016 6:13am
Talk to someone about them. The moment you feel like harming yourself or the moment you begin to feel negative about yourself, reach out to someone. Talking about it with a trusted friend or adult will help you handle these thoughts. It is important that you do not try to handle them on your own. That never ends well.
tryingtobehappier13
January 18th, 2016 11:50am
I don't think it is possible to stop the thoughts from coming unfortunately, but you can try alternatives to cutting or other self harm. I used to write my feelings on my arm with washable makers and then wash it off to help me. Or drawing a picture that represents how you feel on yourself. That's what helped me. Maybe it will help you.
readerandwriter
September 7th, 2015 7:55am
Distract yourself. It's very tempting to think and think about bad things, but you know this only makes you feel worse. Still, you can't easily change your train of thought. So start doing something (reading, watching TV or a movie, physical activity etc) that you enjoy and that keeps your mind occupied.
ahelpinghand100
March 24th, 2015 9:40pm
Distract yourself. Surround yourself with plenty of positive people and have fun. Spend time with your family or just talk to someone who you know understands you.
ElvenLight
August 4th, 2015 10:41pm
Keep a log and write down all the things that trigger you. Circle common themes that seem to come up more. Try different coping mechanisms and rate them on a scale of 1 - 10 (10 being the best) of how helpful they were! You can try writing in a diary/journal, making art, and even down writing negative feelings on a piece of paper and ripping it!
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 6:17pm
By simply doing what you love, spending time with family and friends and if you don't have any friends than reading, sports or bike rides.
Anonymous
June 7th, 2015 11:16pm
It's hard to make thoughts just stop, but if you feed their fears it will grow, Sometimes you need to focus your thoughts to good even when there are bad going on to help so that recovery is easier.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2015 7:38am
just simply think about another things, draw, sing, cook, whatever you want, read a book, keep yourself distracted
Smilewhenitrains87
May 20th, 2015 5:31am
I can't give advice however I encourage you to look into resources for dealing with self harm under 7 cups self help section.
Anonymous
May 11th, 2015 7:58pm
Focus on something positive. Distract yourself as best as you can. If you leave yourself open, you'll definitely hurt yourself.
potatofish
April 7th, 2015 8:41pm
Find a hobby you enjoy doing and do it. It'll help relax your mind and calm yourself :) Even try listening to some music :)