Alternative to cutting/burning myself?

[Smaskifa]

Hi. Yeah I know that it will probably be childish that I still need to resort to this, but since I have to consider and plan what's best for me or not, I need something that makes it all more bearable rn since I can't handle all of this anymore. I used to cut myself for years and I had stopped more than a year ago so that's why I don't want to cut myself anymore, because I know perfectly well all the consequences and feeling like shit afterwards and not doing anything about it. So please, if you have some good alternatives you can write it to me, thank you very much

 

[Dot]

Self Harm Resources

This post is written by @Dot, I am just the messenger Self Harm It's known that there are many users on the forum who self harm for different reasons. This thread is focused mostly on habitual or impulsive/physical self harm. This thread has not been made for any glorification of self harm...

sanctioned-suicide.net

 

[hoppybunny]

Hi. Yeah I know that it will probably be childish that I still need to resort to this, but since I have to consider and plan what's best for me or not, I need something that makes it all more bearable rn since I can't handle all of this anymore. I used to cut myself for years and I had stopped more than a year ago so that's why I don't want to cut myself anymore, because I know perfectly well all the consequences and feeling like shit afterwards and not doing anything about it. So please, if you have some good alternatives you can write it to me, thank you very much

I personally used rubber bands. it hurts and gives the burning feeling without leaving scars. just make sure it's not too tight and cutting off blood flow.

 

[funeralcat]

I'm not sure if this is the type of answer you wanted but I used to cut my legs and I someone told me to grab a red marker and draw all over my legs and it's making me feel better

 

[isolatedl111]

Hitting or punching yourself

 

[DeeDog]

I personally never had any help doing that harm reduction stuff with rubber bands. I do have a friend who used to self harm, and what really helped him was cutting blu tac and burning paper. I think especially blu tac cuz when u cut into it it can sorta make a gash like u can with skin. Making layers of blutac that are different colours can make it more satisfying. Sorta tryna role play ur SH might make u do it less. Personally didn't rlly help me but my mate said it really helped him.

 

[suffocating]

Replacing self-harm with self-harm isn't a good idea if you're trying to recover. No punching please- You're just going to get addicted to two forms of self-harm rather than one. I cut partially for the sensory experience, so what helps me may not help you. Drawing on myself helps, that's a good idea. Sometimes I draw hearts and stars and smiley faces. It's really stupid but it helps. I draw in general too. Hatching and scribbling in particular helps me with the urges. Sometimes I tear up paper or pace around or tap things (gently!) repeatedly. Sleeping helps. It delays the urges. Listening to music can sometimes help mute my thoughts a little bit. And it's ok to relapse as well. As long as you are trying. Try to do appropriate aftercare though.

 

[suffocating]

Also, to add to this, I wouldn't recommend using tools you'd use to harm yourself to do other things while you're getting urges. It makes the urges harder to resist in my experience

 

[nonliv]

For me strong smells help. Like burning paper in a frying pan. It helps me take my mind off things. It sounds a bit out there, but I suggest just, going with the flow of things. Doing something monotone also helps, like colouring in little squares in math notebooks. About strong smells, I suggest oils, tea, lip balms are small and good too carry around

 

[attheend13]

Hitting or punching yourself

I've resorted to this to keep from cutting again. I was a cutter and burner for many years and haven't cut in a long time. But I get it. The overwhelm and need for release is just so big I need to do something. I just take really heavy books and hit myself as hard in the head and on my legs as I can. Almost knocked myself out but once it starts throbbing and stabbing, the pain and exhaustion of it is the closest thing to a moment of relief I've felt.

 

[Hero Remeer]

I have not experienced what you are talking about, but I think that making a punching bag and hitting it at that moment could divert that energy
regards, be well

 

[Hvergelmir]

This might be a silly idea, but I wonder if strong chili could be a substitute for burning.

 

[alltoomuch2]

Eating strong English mustard, can be layered thickly on toast.
Placing an ice cube on your skin where you wanted to cut or burn.
I sometimes use pinching my skin as hard as I can for as long as I can but if I'm very overwhelmed I don't feel it. Same for snapping elastic band on the wrist.

There's a good app I have on my phone too, called Calm Harm which has LOTS of suggestions for alternatives to cutting and burning.

 

[JoysoftheEmptiness]

Self harm isn't childish, its a coping mechanism used by young and old, males and females, even animals like parrots are known to self harm.

 

[attheend13]

This might be a silly idea, but I wonder if strong chili could be a substitute for burning.

That's interesting. I've cold water can work too it's slightly painful

 

[alltoomuch2]

Look up TIPP skills too.

 

[MidnightCat]

Self harm isn't childish, its a coping mechanism used by young and old, males and females, even animals like parrots are known to self harm.

This.

Im in my thirties... Yet I struggle a lot with stuff harm. And, if I get to my forties... Would probably keep struggling with that.

 

[littleearthquakes]

I dig my fingernails into my arms. Like a bunch of times. At most leaves a bruise. It's stopped me from cutting.

 

[cali22♡]

Use Skills

 

[Lookingtoflyfree]

I use a Sharpie and draw images on my hip that nobody can see - I usually draw Rune images It's not the best solution but it helps a little