How to overcome self-harming/self-injuring thoughts and urges in Munchausen Syndrome (Factitious Disorder imposed on oneself)
• Try to recognize your triggers. It might be certain situations, thoughts or people. What thoughts does it brings? What helps you cope? Try to figure it out. Keeping a journal may help.
• Try to find a safe place that you may visit whenever you feel the urge in order to self sooth. It might be place inside your house, a park, favorite coffee shop or a library. If you are at school or work and you can’t go out, take a quick brake if you can and find a quite place. Give yourself a moment to calm down. You can listen to music, bring back happy memories or imagine something nice, like a beautiful flower or waterfall, for example.
• Express your thoughts and feelings in a creative way - through art, music or poem. You don’t have to be skilled or gifted at all, you’re not signing up for art competition
• If you don’t know how to express it this way, you may search for art/images/music/poems on the internet that would best describe what you are going through right now
• You can look up images of medical equipment or hospital wards if that’s what helps you. In my case, these pictures makes me feel calm and safe, they are also aesthetically pleasing. But remember, you do it in order to self-soothe, so if it triggers your urges even more, then find another way
• You can also watch medical documentary or medical-themed shows. But again, if you do it, do it for right reasons. If these shows trigger unwanted thoughts and desires of feigning/self-inducing illness, then find something else
• Redirecting your thoughts onto something else may also help - read some book, watch favorite movie or learn new skill
• Try physical exercises - it helps to relieve stress and tension
• Try volunteering in charity work - it would help you to redirect your attention on other people’s needs and make you feel important and needed
• You may volunteer, for example, in a children’s hospital or nursing home. Helping vulnerable would help you get out of the „sick role” and give you a sense of belonging
• Choose a one skill and master it. It might be a foreign language, playing guitar or pottery. Whatever make you refocus your mind and energy on something creative. Presenting your skill to others may bring their interest and attention. You can help them improve as well
• But first at foremost, remember to seek professional help and stick to your treatment plan! Always be honest with your doctor and/or therapist, despite the shame that your disorder might cause. You deserve to get better!
Munchausen Syndrome self-help resources:
• https://www.munchausen.com/
• https://www.routledge.com/Dying-to-be-Ill-True-Stories-of-Medical-Deception/Feldman-Yates/p/book/9781138063839
• https://youtu.be/8j8GAFr04Qs
• https://www.secretsunraveled.com/
• https://www.smartrecovery.org/individuals/

















