Rubberbands?

[Kcm96]

I'm new to all of this, so I'm not sure how it all works.. For the past 3 months my life has been really overwhelming. It feels like there's nobody to turn to & nobody understands. I'm not sure if this is as serious as cutting or burning. But I use rubberbanda to pop my wrist when I'm feeling upset or sad it helps me to release some anger & it's also a way for the physical pain to mask the emotional pain. It's getting worse & I feel like I can't take it off, I know it's not healthy but I don't know how else to cope..

[CyanideGoodnight]

It's still self harm. Just because the physical consequences aren't as bad as cutting or burning doesn't mean it's not just as bad emotionally. I used to think (and still do) "Oh, I don't cut anymore. I'm not a real cutter, I don't belong, my pain can't be as bad as other peoples. They have it worse. So I shouldn't complain" but really that mindset isn't true at all.

You're strong for being able to share this with us and for recognizing it's not healthy. It took me a very very long time (and I'm still in doubt about it) that it's not healthy.

Depending on why you cut, coping mechanisms that could replace your form of self harm include meditation, listening to music, talking to friends (or us here on VT, this place is a safe haven that's mostly free of judgment) writing, reading, taking a shower/bath, running, jogging, swimming and other exercise, talking to a trusted adult like a councilor or something, tv, and there are plenty others.

something that really helped me was I had a rock. It was smooth but had a lot of ridges, like scars on it, just like I did before they faded. I'd carry that rock around everywhere, and when I felt weak, I'd hold it and it'd give me strength. That rock helped me tons through the years, and I still have it.