I could use some advice

[upgrayedd]

Hello. I've been hanging out here, lurking in the shadows, for a while. So, I would first like to thank the collective lot of you for helping me distract myself.

This is my first time ever posting, though. I need some advice.

A few months ago I would injure myself sparingly, mildly, and only under considerable stress. One day, I got the idea in my head to burn my arm with burnt out matches. "No way, that's too extreme. Only a nutcase would do that."

A few weeks ago, I started burning myself with used match heads... once a week. One day, I got it in my head to use scalding water. "No way, too extreme. I just have a little problem, no need to go overboard."

5 minutes ago, I burned myself with scalding coffee... I'm really scared about what I'll do next.

I don't know what to do.

[2D]

Just like you said that we were distracting you, you need to do stuff when you get these urges. Talk to someone, go for a walk or a run, work out, anything to keep you busy and your mind off doing those things. You can PM me to talk but I prefer MSN. Which is also in my profile. I'll do what I can if ya want. Best of luck mate.

[Random Stranger]

So your looking for a distraction. You need something to do to draw your mind from it, maybe give yourself a little attention. Personaly I'm a big supporter of holding ice on your arm untill it starts to hurt, but I'm sure there are many other things you could find.

I have found that the best way to stop an addiction is to replace it with another. I find myself cutting much less thee days, and feeling the need to hold ice to my arm instead, only going back to cutting when under a lot of stress. Yes, still an addiction, but not as harming, and most likely easyer to break. Just try it, what have you got to lose?

[2D]

Something that doesnt inflict pain. Ice can damage your tissue. That's why when you use it to reduce swelling you have to do it in 7 to 10 min intervals. (I think, it may be 5-7) Do something that gets your mind off it, but not in a destructful way.

[jacknife]

I don't know what to do.
What do you want to do?

[upgrayedd]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I need to try them next time.

Motormouth, I might take you up on that one day. I'll see how it all works out.
:)

[StrawberryCyanide]

The other sggestions about distracting yourself are very helpful, you should definately think about doing some of those :) Also, the problem seems to be getting gradually worse, so the beat thing would be to see a councellor, from school or college or privately. You may be a little reluctant at first, but professional help works wonders! You need to try and stamp this out before it gets worse and harder to control. Good luck :)