Alternatives?

[Morganx]

My friend just recommended that I try the rubber band method. Where you snap a rubber band on your wrist whenever you feel the urge to cut. Does this method work at all? And is it a safe alternative?

[Erasmus]

I think that different alternatives work for different people, although I would advise against using the rubber band method. It is still technically a form of self-harm, and could cause your skin to be bruised or red. Instead, whenever you feel the urge to cut, do something to take your mind off it, something you enjoy. For example, you could go for a run, or listen to music. Make sure it's something that will distract you from self-harm, not something that could possibly be a trigger. Good luck :)

[xxPerryPlatypusxx]

I think its a safe and smart alternative
I have used it although it didn't work for me
what I did was use a red marker and draw red lines wherever I wanted to cut
it helped alot because it distracted me cause my trigger is seeing red and when I saw the red marker lines I calmed down and would forget about the urge
I highly recommend it :):)

[lyriclover]

Another safer alternative is taking a sharpie and writing on the area you want to cut. I know theres all the stuff about blood poisoning and stuff but sharpies are non toxic and as long as you dont color your whole entire arm (which by the way still wont kill you trust me). Try this method; pick a phrase that means a lot to you. Every day youre cut free write a letter of the phrase on your arm. When the phrase is complete celebrate it. Promise yourself a reward for finishing the phrase.

[Rayquaza]

I used to use the butterfly method. Where you felt like cutting, you drew a butterfly and someones name that means a lot to you. It suddenly becomes a lot harder knowing that you're going to have to cut through someone. I was at a point where there were numerous butterflies on my arm because you end up wanting to cut at another bare-skinned place. Just keep a pen with you and try that.

[Harley Quinn]

My friend just recommended that I try the rubber band method. Where you snap a rubber band on your wrist whenever you feel the urge to cut. Does this method work at all? And is it a safe alternative?

There is no 'safe' alternative, only less damaging ones.

Identify the triggers that make you feel like cutting. The moment you have the urge to harm yourself, stop and think of what has just occurred. Remember it and try to avoid these situations. Determine what in particular makes this situation trigger off negative emotions: a certain feeling, or maybe an action. Work on reducing this issue until you have it under control or completely diminished. That in itself is a method/alternative.

If you need to hurt yourself, do it in a controlled and less harmful way. The rubber band method does work, it for me. Does that mean it works for everyone? Of course not. You need to find out yourself if that works for you. While yes it can be used even more dangerously than cutting, it's a safer option. There's also the ice cube method. Rub an ice cube on your wrist. Although these cause some immediate pain, it is much milder and much less dangerous. Another option, would be to grab a handful of ice cubes and hold them for a minute or two until your hands hurt and then let go of them. Clenching ice cubes gives your hands something to do, too.

Find safer ways to express your emotions. Replace the time you would usually spend self-harming with other activities that allow you to explore your feelings without hurting yourself.

[FullyAlive]

I've used a variety of distraction techniques through my recovery, but ultimately I'd agree with what Siobhan is saying, you can find all the distractions and alternatives you like but if the issues are all still there then you won't get better. So you need to work on the issues behind your self harm and then you'll find it easier to concur the addictive aspect of self harm.

But whilst you are working on the issues then of course you'll still need distractions and alternatives. The red pen never really worked for me but you should try that it might work for you. Over the last six months or so of my recovering, i tended to get myself out the house when I had urges. I would also use the elastic band thing or scratch my arms and legs although this is self harm its a lot less physically damaging than it could be. So just try your best to minimise the harm you're doing whilst you try sorting you problems and then try stopping altogether.

[itcouldbeworse]

I used to use the butterfly method. Where you felt like cutting, you drew a butterfly and someones name that means a lot to you. It suddenly becomes a lot harder knowing that you're going to have to cut through someone. I was at a point where there were numerous butterflies on my arm because you end up wanting to cut at another bare-skinned place. Just keep a pen with you and try that.

I really like that idea, Iv'e never heard of it before but it might actually help..

[Disasterology]

my counselor gave me a paper with a list of alternatives, they don't really help me but maybe some might help you.
1.listen to music/relaxation tapes
2.repetitive reality checking (it's April 2013, and I'm going to be ok)
3.Create and use mental safe places
4.Get out on your own, get away from the stress
5.Take a different perspective
6.Pay attention to your breathing
7.Touch something familiar/safe
8.Draw
10.Write
11. Make something (craft, needlework,etc.)...(my favorite :p)
12.Meditate
13.Do something fun
14.Plan regular activities for your most difficult time of day
Maybe one or more of these can help you

[UnknownError]

The rubber bands never really worked for me, I'd end up doing it so hard that they'd snap. Red pen was just triggering imo. You need to figure out your triggers, and avoid them. The less you think about self harm the less likely it is that you will feel like doing it. If you get really strong urges, completely focus your mind on something else. Try and do maths in your head, something really boring that will just make you stop thinking.