Trying to stop

[xktx]

Ive been cutting for about 4 weeks now, doesnt sound like much, but its already mounting up to about 15 cuts a day, I just feel so miserable and it makes me feel better, but I know I need to stop. But everytime I try, I just end up cutting, I feel I need it to stay sane. But I need to stop, I know Im hurting those around me by doing it. But it's difficult. Have any of you got any tips? Thanks. x

[georgiamay]

One thing to remember is that urges to cut always pass. At the time, it might feel horrible, when all you can think about is cutting, but just remember that the feeling will go away eventually.

There's the elastic band thing, where you keep an elastic band around your wrist and snap it whenever you want to cut. It doesn't give you the same release or feel as "good" as cutting does, but it should help get you through the urges.

Something that I've found useful is talking to people. Not talking about how you feel and stuff, but just talking, and having a chat with a friend. Sometimes I'll call a friend and just say that I was bored and wanted to talk to someone, and that normally distracts me, and the conversation normally cheers me up and stops me from freaking out and panicking.

Maybe if you're alone you could put a happy film on? I sometimes randomly put finding nemo on, and that normally makes me feel better and makes the urges go away.

Of course, the thing that's proved most effective for me has been professional help. Since I've been in therapy, I've gotten so much better. I'm not saying it's the only way to stop self harming, but it wouldn't hurt, and if you carry on struggling, it might be a good idea.

Good luck :hug:

[xktx]

yeah thanks. Ill try the elastic band :) xx

[XxMurderedKissesxX]

Hun,the longer u cut,the harder it will be to stop. And after awhile they get worse. Somethings to help fight the urges can be: Painting,writing,going for a long pointless walk,blasting music,squeezing icecubes,or the "butterfly" Drawing a butterfly on ur wrist/leg/whatever and naming it after someone u love,the longer u go without SH the longer the butterfly "Lives" and when u SH the butterfly "Dies",it works for me. When u feel down,renting ur fav movie,wearing ur fav outfit,getting ur nails done ext. Sometimes its the little things that help the most. Have u thought about maybe talking to a counselor about the way u feel? It might help to get the negative emotions out. Oh and welcome to VT : )

[xktx]

thanks.. I got talking to a friend of mine (shes been cutting for a while) and on her birthday she decided she was going to stop ... didnt go to well ... but we go to the cinema together or fail at baking cakes .. so we distract each other. At home its slightly harder, but luckily i have a friend in the village who never seems to be doing anything and if i ever feel like it he comes over and well go for a walk or something ...
I found music helps .. its been a really good week actually :) even though everythings falling apart at home ... :/ .. I havent cut :) x