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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
February 1st, 2016 7:30am
Depends what causes the self-harm, but self-harm is never a way to do it, later you'll regret it, and if you have scars from it, you'll always be reminded. An alternative would be to talk with a psychologist or listener, someone that are trained to help you.
Anonymous
October 4th, 2016 7:20pm
I remember I once asked someone this question- well not exactly, they were trying to get me to stop and they told me that drawing lines on your arms or where ever you self harm helps.
Art , create art instead of cutting or harming yourself. Every time you want to pick something dangerous pick a pen , a marker , a brush even if you think you have no talent and just create art.
Because all works of art come from intense moments.
And you know you can always visit a professional therapist.
Alternatives to self harm are, art, writing, holding an ice cube, talking about it, or just surrounding yourself with people that care so you don't. Whatever you do, don't self harm because it adds to your problems.
One idea is to draw on your body in the place you would have cut in a safe and non permanent pen, to distract yourself and your hands.
Oh my gosh there's a never-ending list! I won't tell what exactly to do but I will tell you to do something you love. Run, draw, listen to music, go see a movie, play your favorite video game, dance, ect. Whatever makes you happy, that's what you need to do. By doing this, you will essentially be keeping your mind off whatever it is that is making you want to cut.
Go on a walk, Read a book, Rearange your room. going on walks is peaceful reading is calming thanks.
Anonymous
October 6th, 2014 9:20am
i follow a lot of depressed accounts on social media because sometimes, looking at the pictures or posts i can somehow relate and it calms me down and most of the accounts are in recovery so they post sad pictures but then they say how much better they feel not cutting and are really supportive.
Taking a walk, drawing, painting, poetry, finding the root of the feelings that make you want to self harm, playing video games
Anonymous
October 27th, 2014 11:38am
Some alternatives are holding a bag of crushed ice because it is actually quite uncomfortable like most self-harming methods. You can also meditate, do yoga, do things that make you happy, but tell someone
tearing paper or scribbling it allows you to vent maybe painting as well or writing in a journal yeah
Anonymous
October 27th, 2014 3:38pm
The best thing to do is keep yourself occupied and lean on friends and family. You can draw or exercise? I suggest going in a Skype call with your friends so you don't feel tempted or alone.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 9:00pm
you can try a number of different things if you self harm because the pain makes you feel better then you can hold ice in your hand till it goes numb, if seeing the blood helps you then try scribbling where you would usually harm in red marker. You could also try writing down your thoughts and feelings
Keeping a happy box with a journal, crayons, crafts, or snuggling a pet, and talking with a friend .
If you're in a moment when the urges feel unbearable, you can squeeze ice in your hand really hard, or do some sort of strenuous exercise i.e. running. These let out the energy physically. When the urge isn't as intense, try doing something positive, talking to a friend, write out exactly how you're feeling and the reasons why - putting it directly into words can make it feel more manageable.
Some alternatives I found to be helpful are: listening to music that makes you feel good (so nothing that triggers bad memories in you), working out, going for a walk, taking a hot shower, drawing (if you like doing that, of course) and writing (poems, stories, whatever you like.) Whatever you do, keep in mind that it should not be something harmful to you and that it should be distracting and give you a positive feeling.
http://sirius-project.org/2011/08/16/distractions-and-alternatives-to-self-harm/ Here's a website which gives specific things to do based on your mood.
Some common alternatives are exercising, art, writing, or yoga/relaxing techniques. The best solution I have found is holding an icecube in your hand whenever you feel the need to self-harm. By the time the ice melts, the urge probably has went away.
Anonymous
November 9th, 2014 6:29pm
I like to draw. Drawing expresses your feelings and does not have to be perfect. Sometimes I'll do something as simple as drawing an arm with red marks across it. I also like to write because I find it easier to express my feelings through written word than saying them out loud. I like to listen to music, because it feels like there is someone out there feeling the same way I do. And sometimes I like to watch a cathartic movie.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2014 6:53pm
If you can, try messing with inanimate objects like punching bags, pillows, maybe evan walls. Do something that still makes you feel in control of the situation.
Get creative through art and music or maybe try a sport. I usually write songs to express how I feel. It also helps to remind yourself that it's pointless. Self-harm isn't going to fix/change the situation. All it does is hurt you more.
A cold shower, rubber bands, watching a funny movie, phoning friends or talking to someone on 7 Cups
Writing. Write down exactly how you feel, instead of hurting yourself. Try to describe all your feelings.
Squeeze ice cubes, go where you can't, try some grounding exercises, make lists, list how you feel, Google distractions, call a friend.
I personally like to take bathes and wash my hair, wash my body (ect). It feels nice and refreshing. Another thing is watching netflix. Be around people who make you smile. Drawing on your body. Being on 7cupsoftea and talking to one of our amazing listeners. Take a jog, yoga and meditation are great too.
Listen to music (a good jam out and headbanging session can really help). Take a thirty minute hot (but not too hot) Shower and think. Or you could talk about it. There are plenty of safe alternatives to self-harm.
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