Alternatives to cutting?

[Seeking Happiness]

I have been extremely depressed for the past few years and I self-harm once in a while. However I don't think it is the solution. What do you suggest are better and healthier solutions to cutting whenever I'm feeling very hurt or depressed? It's not that easy because it is very difficult for me to get it off my mind and I end up crying a lot.
What should I do? :(:confused:

[Kaius]

Distractions. I've found flicking a rubber band to be helpful for my urges but everyone is different. I tear up paper into little squares instead of using my skin or I use a cheap old t-shirt. Using a red pen also sometimes may help as well. Instead of using a blade just draw on your skin. It wont give you the same release but it may help in some way. Also try ice in a bag and putting it on your skin, it wont cause harm but it will distract you.

[kenoloor]

I agree with Aaron. Distractions can come in any form you want. One thing that I've found to be an extremely useful distraction is a project. Find something that you really, genuinely enjoy, and start working on a project. That way, you can involve yourself in something constructive while avoiding urges at the same time.

Also, the ice is a great idea.

[Fiction]

When I have urges, it's almost like there's a lot of energy built up that I need to get rid of, if you see what I mean. One thing that really helps is just going out and running. No like, going for a jog, but just get somewhere quiet and run as fast as you can until you physically can't anymore. I do that a lot. It's sort of painful so I guess it gives that release and going out means you can't be cutting and perhaps the urge will be gone by the time you get back.

Keeping a diary also helps me loads. When i'm upset I just write pages on everything that's going on in my head. It makes me feel a bit better and also acts as a distraction.

Elastic bands are also helpful. If you get an elastic band and snap it against your wrist or something then it hurts, but doesn't cause any damage. It doesn't get rid of urges completely, but it does sort of take the edge off it.

Basically anything that'll distract you is good. Think about the things you enjoy doing and do that, wether that's reading, drawing, playing an instrument, anything :)

[trooneh]

Along with the above posts, you can also do something like get a punching bag. I find that it can help, at least personally...it helps focus the pain into something else.

[FuzzyLittleNightmare]

I definitely agree with all the above posts! Some other suggestions are drawing, painitng, dancing, singing, anything that you love!

Also, if you cut your arms or legs, try buying a really nice short sleeved shirt or pair of shorts that you will really want to wear and look good in. It will encourage you to stop cutting and use creams to heal your scars so that you can wear it!

[Antagonist]

You could do the butterfly project

[teendanica]

Uh no. I suggest you share your problems with friends. That would greatly help.. Before, I used to keep everything to myself. But it's really hard.. you have to share that. So you can get encouragements from your friends.. something like that..