Ouch, that's awful. People are so ignorant. I don't always take steps to hide them, but I absolutely never do anything to draw attention to them or bring them up myself because I know that's the type of reaction I'd get. That, or something pitying, and I can't stand pity. People who haven't been there just don't get it.

Depressing

There are some great tips in this thread, I will try and use them to help me to cope next time I get stressed.

This might sound odd, but I get a pair of tweezers and start plucking the hairs on my upper thighs. Its where I used to cut (so it would be hidden under clothes - didn't want the problems many of you have of hiding scars ). Surprisingly satisfying!

thank you for sharing this! I was running out of ideas for coping and relapsed a few times in the past few months after 5 years cut free. I'll make sure to come to this thread if I am able to access it when having an urge/thoughts.

Wow, awesome thread. Unfortunately those techniques don't work for me.

I generally do a lot of things on that list already but snapping a rubber band on the wrist does sound physically satisfying, especially as I have PTSD. I am going to give it a try. I just want to *feel* something.

meh... I'm just going to keep doing those things, but it's an addiction for me... an addiction where I think I might die without giving in

The thing to look into is to break the habit.

If there is a tendency to want to self-injure, try getting through one situation without doing it. Takes notes on how you felt. If necessary, replace the action with something that is healthier, like going outside with your headphones and walking.....get out in public where the temptation would not be present.

The key is to "feel the burn" of wanting to self-injure, but not doing it to see how you are able to get through it. Use thought techniques to help.

"I am better than this. I may not feel good now, but I will feel better in ten minutes."

none of the links work.....

The original post was made a few years ago so the links probably became obsolete over time. If I see any others, I'll pass them along.

I take too many benzos, and cut my wrist with a razor. I try to do it minimally, especially during summer. Unfortunately, it's goddamn July, and I got a little carried away.

I'm also restricting my calories, and I'm at an underweight BMI at the moment. There's a lot going on in my life emotionally, and I'm very fearful, and I noticed I was having trouble controlling my food intake, which I normally monitor more- so I decided to go strict for five days. It's not healthy, but it makes me feel like I can handle my emotions, or something.

Now I have to put a ton of foundation on my wrist for a presentation tomorrow, because if I keep wearing an arm band around my wrist at work people will start talking....oy.

I also harmed myself when I was feeling really depressed and helpless. I still have some scars.
Cutting made me feel better, but I haven,t done that for some months, even though I am depressed and I'm so alone.

I gotta say, as much as this is a wonderful list of things to do to help, I find myself focused mainly on the "eat a chili pepper" suggestion of the Disconnected list. You can't feel like crap if your mouth is flaring up haha. Seriously though, I love this full list, and I'll have to try some of the suggestions!

This post is absolutely fantastic! was actually feeling pretty crappy and wanted to cut. this stopped that. and just reading it made me smile??? is that weird? i feel like its weird?

I could never give up SI; I need it to survive. I don't think it's a huge deal if you have control over it and never cut deep; I've been doing it for over a decade. I'm not saying it's a good thing, it's just something I have to do, and I couldn't give it up even if I tried. Anyone else who is not interested in recovery?

I was so the same way. But I "snapped" out of it. Yeah it was surface stuff (even though I have scars) and I was always consistent but it was still awful for me to do that. Having to cover up, being judged by the people that do see it (especially now), etc. I so understand but looking back I'm like I could of done something else. I'm about 3 months clean . Its so not worth it.

I have to say I'm glad I never got into cutting. Punching your knuckles bloody and and blue ain't smart either but atleast it didn't leave scars lol

I feel the same, and am in the same position, having been relying on it for 15 years or so. I would only want to stop doing it if the issues that cause me to do it went away first. It's like worrying about splashing the water while you're drowning.

I wish I could take more comfort from the strategies people suggest to avoid doing it. The truth is I can't settle for safe alternatives, or tricks to distract myself from the urge, I have to hurt myself.

^I'm glad that there are some other people who share my opinion as well Thanks for the responses