A question for those who are recovering/have recovered from self-injury

[TaintedBlood]

What alternatives have helped/are helping you end your self-injury the most?

[BeautifulDisaster]

Talking about what is upsetting me.
Distracting myself.
Doing things I enjoy when I'm tempted.
Posting rants about things, getting it off my chest to feel less overwhelmed.
=)

[Aspiringanonymous]

Get up, get busy, go outside for a walk, anything which makes it physically impossible to commit the act immediately - thus providing time for the rational mind to take control, should one be tempted to do so.

Other times it could be useful to identify the experience out loud, not necessarily to anyone in particular - 'I feel tempted right now. This is ridiculous. I must stay strong.'

In terms of long-term strategies for change, conversing with others who have managed to overcome this can perhaps provide inspiration and encouragement. Also - the longer one holds out, the easier it will become.

Understanding the full extent of damage you are inflicting upon yourself, I believe is the most crucial step. Know clearly what one fights against, and why one fights.

[BuryYourFlame]

Exercise (bike riding, punching bag etc.) has been a large part of quitting for me, it is very distracting and it is very healthy at the same time. Also playing guitar or another instrument.

[Sapphire]

Doing anything (TV, internet, books, hanging out with people etc) to distract myself.
Going for a walk or a long bus ride with my mp3 player helped as well.
Talking about what is wrong. This helps me not only get it off my chest but also by giving me an opportunity to look at it all rationally.
I find showers really help me relax. It helps quieten my mind. I also sometimes visualise negative feelings as being visible on my body and watch (in my mind) the water washing them away - but this doesn't work for all negative emotions.

[Discomposure]

Definatley excersize is helping for me, and it makes you feel better in general anyway :) Good luck.

[CuriousDestruction]

exercise, keep yourself busy, ride your bike, talk with friends about it, do homework, listen to happy music, do sports of some kind, watch tv, play video games, play on computer, read, write, etc. there are so many things besides self-harming to do.

[Amyxoxo]

Knowing that you are fighting the things that is eating away at you the mosy.
Knowing that people will respect me more and so will I when it is all over.
Knowing that you be be happier and better in the long run.

[1_21Guns]

Ranting at people about what was stressing me out.
It was usually late at night when I want to cut, so I just go to bed.
Distracting myself.
Talking to the people I love and care about to remind me why I shouldn't.
Talking to myself.
Helping others.

[-Silence]

Pretty much just thinking that no matter how good it might feel, its not worth it.

Talking to someone close, puzzles, writing, sleeping it off.

I find showers really help me relax. It helps quieten my mind..

Ditto.

[Asylum]

distraction, talking to somene, spending time with someone, composing music, figure skating, ranting about what is wrong, sewing (but thats only if i know i have enough will power not to, otherwise its a temptaton and i can't do this a lot)

[iceyfresh]

Righting songs And I found someone I can trust and talk to about. If you wana talk abou it and need help pm me I'm good with helping people stop SI

[EimmaTheDinosaur]

This is going to sound SO weird, maybe, but Play-Doh. Whenever i feel the urge to cut, i take out a little tub of Play-Doh and just make stuff. Hope this helps! ~

[Indystar]

When I decided to stop, I tied a bit of red string around my wrist, and told myself if I wanted to harm I'd have to break it first. It lasted 2 years - the longer it stays, the harder it is to break it!

[CuriousDestruction]

for many people it's talking. just telling someone about it is like a relief you know? whether it's talking online, or to friends, or to a therapist. just talking.

[Watchfulness]

Common Sense is the saving grace.

If that is skipped, then peer influence and counsel might help.

[Hatsune Miku]

Taking a shower is pretty relaxing
Listening to music in the dark
Keeping yourself busy
Ranting
Cussing to yourself ( It releases anger and stress )

[OnlyByTheNight.]

Going to sleep, making myself stay around people so i dont get the chance to do it, talking to someone about it, running. All these things have stopped me from cutting on alot of occassions. :)

[munchausen]

When I decided to stop, I tied a bit of red string around my wrist, and told myself if I wanted to harm I'd have to break it first. It lasted 2 years - the longer it stays, the harder it is to break it!

That's the most uncommon one I've come across, that might actually work really well.

[Seeker94]

Thinking about cars cars cars!!!! I love them! Yes I'm a greese monkey. Still dont know much about them but I'm learning ^.^ I plan on building a classic when I get older ^.^ so cars are my thing to have me quit cutting

[Obscene Eyedeas]

Rubber bands. screaming. writing. drawin. composing music, listening to music