Alright,
I see all these lists that say “self harm alternatives!!” In bright lettering and they list things like “write in a journal” “go on a walk” and the infamous “let yourself cry” I dunno about you but that shit doesn’t work. So I’ve decided to make a list of things that have helped me in the past and hopefully it can help you guys.
1) Hold an ice cube in your hand (or mouth) until it melts, and focus on it the entire time. It will hurt, but that’s kind of the point. It won’t do any lasting damage and ice cubes aren’t expensive.
2) Go for a run. I know it can be hard to motivate yourself to get up and run, but it can work for some people. Your legs will start burning and you could focus on that instead of cutting. And cardio is good for you.
3) go in a public space. It’s not a very permanent fix, but if you’re like me, and the urge to self harm comes quickly, suddenly and really strong but passes relatively soon, this method can help a lot. Being in a public space prevents you from self harming and if you have a close friend or family member that understands your self harm and take them with you, I promise they won’t judge you, they just want to keep you safe.
4) Get a large piece of chocolate or other candy that melts kinda fast, like a Hershey’s kiss and let it melt in your mouth and focus on it melting. This is something my therapist taught me to do when I’m having a lot of anxiety because focusing on something like that can help when you’re feeling overwhelmed but it might help prevent self harm. By the time it’s melted you might feel a little better, and you can do it a couple more times and focus until the feeling passes.
5) Go to a store and get a ball from the toy section that has bumps or little spikes on it. Something with texture. Roll the ball on your hands/arms/legs/stomach anywhere and just focus on the sensation. It might help.
6) Take care of something. A pet, a plant, a younger family member, anything. It can make you feel needed and it can help.
7) Join a gym!! When you’re feeling frustrated you can go work out and afterwords you can feel wonderful and it can get a lot of aggression out. (Punching bags also work)
8) anyone can talk to me at any time I’m always open. I’ll do my best to help.
Do not ——- Snap a rubber band on your wrist. It can leave bruises and welts and even break skin and it’s just another way to self harm.
hit things unless they were made to be hit. You can hurt your hand or break things.
Eat spicy things like ginger root or peppers!! It can burn your mouth really bad.
I’ve seen lists that tell you to bite your cheek or tongue or hand or whatever and do not do that. It’s still self harm and can still do damage and can still make you bleed ———————————————— Most importantly I just want everyone to be safe. If you really can’t stop, or you’re having suicidal thoughts please tell someone, even if it is a friend and let the friend tell your family. Sometimes the only way to stop is not being allowed to do it. Having someone taking away everything sharp away will prevent you from hurting yourself. It can be hard, and it can be degrading, being watched 24/7 but it’s better than hurting your self or killing yourself. Some times it’s the only way to stop. I had to do this six weeks ago and I’ve only self harmed once since then and sometimes when it gets to this point it’s the only thing you can do. Please be safe. I hope I helped
