Self-Harm Distractions.

[CyanCloud]

Sorry if I've missed a topic on this.

Does anyone have any effective self-harm distractions?
I've tried the standard displacements; elastic band twanging/ice holding. I've tried drawing in the place I want to cut. I've tried watching a movie, listening to music, reading, writing out what i want to do, drawing what I want to do. As yet, nothing helps. The thoughts are still exactly the same.

Does anyone have anything new?

[HoopHopes]

The 15 minute rule. When struggling tell myself I just have to get through the next 15 mins. Set alarm if needed. Then when get there, set it again. Maybe build in small reward when get there etc. it is about breaking chunks if time down.

Exercise is good as helps mood levels, is distraction and feel better afterwards. Anything from a walk, yoga class, ex DVD.

[SirBoobAlot]

Relaxation is good to prevent it getting to that point (having a bath, reading, writing, yoga...) but for when it's actually happening, I find I need to be doing something with my hands. Typing, painting (have just got another painting by numbers set, am rather excited ), crochet, braiding my hair, putting on a face mask - all things I'm doing at the moment to try and keep occupied.

The biggest thing is that you've decided you don't want to do it :)

And agree with the above post about the fifteen minute thing; the urge tends to pass after a short while.

Keep safe.

[CyanCloud]

Thank you both. I did give in, but I'm utilising the suggestions tonight.

I'm at the stage of wondering whether it's better to cut as soon as I get the intense urge, or if I should try to ride it out as long as I can. When I delay it, it often ends up being worse than if I'd just done it at the start.

I've painted my nails, tied my hair up in rags, bought a load of crap that I don't need online and done some weights. The urge never seems to lessen though, what am I doing wrong? Once it's started, I don't know how else to stop it.

[HoopHopes]

I think practising distractions and developing your coping mechanisms is helpful as without practise at them you will not know what helps and what does not. Also the more you try to change a habit the easier it can change; well it was for me. As cutting releases hormones so it can become addictive and then it is less of a coping strategy than a habit. That is a simple version of what medics told me I am afraid!

[MeantToStopAtTwo]

Not everyone likes or approves of this one but smashing or breaking something usually has a similar effect for me. Obviously pick something you don't much care about (like the glass you bought ten years ago as part of a set of six in Poundland when you were a student and never liked much anyway) and pick a safe place to do it.

[CyanCloud]

Thank you both for replying to me, that was really kind.

I definitely do need to practice distractions, Hoop. I have a list of everything that I've thought of to distract, and I add to it whenever something new pops into my head. I exercise, because it's supposed to release endorphins in the same way as cutting does, but it hasn't worked for me yet. I always come back to self-harm, because it's the only thing that works.

I'll have a go at smashing a glass the next time I feel like this, I gave in again tonight. It's not something I've done before, because of the clean-up involved, but it's worth a shot. I've tried punching walls and hitting myself, which is kind of the same sentiment with no effect, but it is definitely worth trying.

Thank you again.