Give me your best self harm distraction technique.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

Just that really. If you want to self harm what do you do that means that you don't do it.

I've tried pinging a rubber band, talking to Samaritans and setting a timer. What else can I try?

How is every one.

Caulk well done, your updates are making me smile.

Hey! I heard yesterday about someone I know who had hurt themselves recently. Didn't know (but suspected) that they did it. My role involves a lot of support for women and children so it isn't a total surprise.

I immediately went to the place of "I have to do it because xx has". But I didn't! I clenched as much as I could and I knitted. We were at a work conference so I couldn't walk our to find ice or anything. And the feeling passed and it's now ok.

I'm on new medication currently and I think that makes a difference. It means I don't really feel things at all, so the desire to do it passes quite quickly.

Brilliant

Caulk, you're doing brilliantly. I'm not around much at the moment because my phone's died and home wifi's acting up but I'm cheering for you.

Aw thanks :)

I'm on retreat this week (not silent thankfully) which is my bosses way of saying "go and spend some time thinking about why you feel this way".

I'm not great at staying away from home, much more likely to hurt myself. No idea why, other than it's always been that way. So I'll try and check in, as this week may be tough.

Just checking in, chaps, to see how you're doing. I think you're amazing how much you resist these urges.

best wishes to you for a peaceful and self-soothing retreat, regardless of why you do it that you don't have to do it any more.

Thanks for checking in and kind words. I've had a few wobbly moments but haven't done it. Hurrah!

If anyone's around and still here and they want to do a bit of hand holding that would be great. Or hand squeezing so hard it hurts. Also great. Thanks

I've just grown my nails a bit, caulk. I'll squeeze and dig them in. I'll even blow you a kiss as well.

And well done on resisting.
I posted too soon - the kiss would be soggy as that's what I'm currently receiving from my 10 month old granddaughter.

Thanks. :) the feeling is passing. I've done bum squeezes and made a warm drink and other stuff but it doesn't always pass entirely. I've bitten all my nails on purpose so I can't even use them

Can I just play with her for a bit? Babies and small children are the best distraction ever!!

You can, but she alternates between being a ray of sunshine and a grumpy little bat. Raspberries on the nose are a current fave, I've had to take my glasses off and put my lenses in!

That's fine. I just need something so distracting that the want to do it totally passes. I've got my lenses in too so that's fine. She sounds great.

distract yourself best with self-soothing and being kind to you, in the way you would like to be cuddled.

I'm away this week, so don't have any of the things with me I can self-soothe with (ie blanket, soft toy, nice body butter etc). I had a massage yesterday and that was great but not sure what else I can do. I've got a comfy arm chair and it's warm in here.

Gosh, I so wish I had a bolt hole. What's outside your window? Can you people watch, and make up lives for them?

I'm on a retreat, but a it's a proper bolt hole one where they give you massages and brilliant food. Really care about people. I love it. Sadly only other people here are also on retreat but I can try to make up lives about them.

Hell yes, the juicier the better.

mmmmmm... lovely warmth and a big comfy armchair and a big squeezy pillow and some all embracing warmth hugs. It can be soothing to have your hand gently stroke your face, or smooth your hair. Hugging knees in a foetal comfort curl, noticing all the time how comforted and warm you are....... mmmmm

I spent half an hour earlier under a duvet like that having a sob. Very cathartic.

Hello :)

Anyone about?

Go gently. that was lovely to hear, i think more of the same. Tears that need space and gentle quiet to fall. I'm here.

Thanks. Just needed a bit of a handhold that I didn't really need to do it when I wanted to. A bit calmer now and got rid of the blade I had. Maybe crying is the way forward.