How do I stop urges to hurt myself?
JDust
on
Mar 5, 2015
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There's no single answer to solve this, but there are many different ways that one can make an effort, often depending on the motivation for cutting. Some possible outlets might include Writing, Exercise, listening to music, talking to a friend, playing videogames, and so on.
If the reason for cutting is to stop racing thoughts, find an activity that takes a lot of mental effort and concentration.
If the reason is to express feelings, choose something expressive, such as music or poetry.
If the motivation is to punish ones self, consider exercising.
This is only a small number of possible fixes - there are many outlets to help prevent self harm!
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OptimisticOmega
on
Apr 1, 2015
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Distraction. I know everyone says this, and distraction "doesn't work". But really, it does, once you're so focused on something else, the urge to harm yourself will fade into the background, even if it's temporary. Always try distraction first. I promise it may just work for you.
Anonymous
on
Jul 21, 2015
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There are many different ways to stop self harm urges and some only work for certain people. One of my personal favorites is squeezing ice. It hurts still but doesn't leave a scar and is safe. You could also distract yourself with a book, music, writing, squeezing something soft, excersize, anything really. Do anything that makes you happy or calm.
stayaliveformee
on
Nov 9, 2015
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Self help guides, cats, drawing, reading, writing, singing, dancing, coloring, painting, listening to music, going on walks, taking pictures of nature, talking to people that support you, talking on the phone, texting your best friend, talking to a psych doctor, talking to anyone of 7 Cups, eating ice cream, painting your nails, petting puppies and kittens, watching anime, catching up on missed episodes of your favorite shows, buying new things (jewelry, make up, clothes, etc.) travelling to new places, meeting new people. There are tons of things to stop the urges, you just have to have the want and drive to quit and be better than that.
Anonymous
on
Nov 7, 2016
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There are technics to help. The butterfly project is a good one to start. Pop a rubeer band when you have an urge. You just need to get your mind away from it. Yes, it may be hard but it's better in the long run.
Anonymous
on
Mar 7, 2018
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I started writing in a journal.
empathiclistener20
on
Apr 4, 2017
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Hurting yourself and cutting is a form of coping. This most likely developed because of a need to cope with some sort of pain, anxiety, stress, or trauma (among other things). If you want to stop hurting yourself, you may want to explore other forms of coping.
casiodaisy
on
Jul 30, 2018
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Firstly, remove the objects that you can hurt yourself with. You will be much less likely to hurt yourself if objects that can are not readily available! Throw things away, lock up necessary household items, leave them with someone else. Secondly, try alternative methods to help the overwhelming urge to hurt yourself, things like holding ice, scribbling on paper, ripping things up / destroying things you don't need, screaming into a pillow, vigorous exercise can all help redirect the energy which is fuelling your urge to hurt yourself!
Anonymous
on
Mar 4, 2015
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When I had a lot of urges to harm myself, I had a hard time keeping myself from doing so. I tried a lot of things music, tv, singing, etc. In the end th eonly thinh that really haelped me was talking to someone about my urges,
HeyoSarah
on
Jun 4, 2015
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There are other ways to cope with stress/pain/other besides self harm. I've read that holding ice where you would harm yourself helps, and I'm sure it works. I know that writing helps me, I write poems telling about how I feel at the time. Everyone has different interests, but I enjoy writing. Thanks to my interest in writing, I've been clean for a month or so.
Anonymous
on
Aug 18, 2015
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Try and find other things to occupy your mind so you don't have that urge and find alternative methods. Then after a while you will not have that urge anymore. Self harm is an addiction, once you start an addiction it's hard to end it. You just need to try and work through it and try and find other ways of coping.
MissMaryMack
on
Sep 22, 2015
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First you need to figure out why you want to hurt yourself. Some may feel the urge due to insecurity, family problems, etc. Some tips I have for controlling the urge are as follows: Drawing: Just draw how you feel. If you don't know how you feel, draw what you think of in your happy place. Draw in pen where you want to harm yourself: Just don't jab yourself with the pen. This worked in the past for me. Snap a rubber band: This is not really recommended, I've done this before. It does work most of the time. Talk to a trusted friend: Usually they can help clear your mind. Listen to music: Just get lost in the sound. There's plenty of tips. Tumblr has alot of tips aswell.
naturalEmbrace96
on
Dec 29, 2015
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Try to listen to happen music. Go out get some fresh air. Close your eyes think of a good moment you had or something nice you want to do. Drink lots of water. Write down your thoughts/things that bother you.
livrose2801
on
May 9, 2016
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Listen to music, read, watch T.V., hangout with friends, play with your pets, play games, sit outside!!!!!!!
Eluna
on
Apr 4, 2015
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That depends on you and what your hobbies are - sometimes when I feel like I want to harm myself, I call someone up and talk to them ( about anything besides hurting yourself) or play with an animal, start chatting with someone (like typing) or even just playing Video Games. Some people like to put their negative energy into something positive, like study even.
Anonymous
on
Jun 30, 2015
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Distract yourself. One way to do this is to get a piece of paper and two different colored pencils/pens. Draw small shapes in one color. Don't stop until you cover up the whole page. Then color in all the shapes with the other color. This is called stress drawing. If this doesn't help, keep finding ways to distract yourself and express your feelings until the urge goes away.
Anonymous
on
Jul 13, 2015
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I remembered my mom. She said me if you die everyone will bi sad but then everybody will forget it. And I remembered my goals.
creativeDay52
on
Feb 16, 2016
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You start having the urge to want to live your life. You surround yourself with people that care for you, support you and confront you
Bc123xoxo
on
Feb 17, 2016
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try and do something instead for example ...
listen to music , draw , color in , write down how you feel
healingHelp
on
Jun 21, 2016
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Hurting yourself is simply a coping mechanism, and that's okay - but, if you want to stop, then you need to find alternative ways in which to cope with any difficult emotions you might be experiencing, the urges themselves probably wont go away until you make a habit of using a different technique to tackle your emotions.