Self Mutilation: PT 4
July 9th 2007 03:44
What to Do Instead of Injuring
Get out of the house and stay in a public place.
Be with safe and supportive people.
Call a friend.
Write in a journal, paint, write poetry, take pictures, make a collage.
Watch a funny movie.
Make a no-harm contract with your therapist.
Go for a drive.
Do relaxation exercises.
Do deep breathing.
Listen to music. Make mood tapes.
Read a good book or magazine.
Go for a walk.
Clean a closet, a dresser, the kitchen.
Take a bubble bath.
Go shopping
Wear a rubber band around one wrist and when the urge to harm is
strong, snap it lightly.
Hold ice in your hand (sounds strange, but it works).
With a washable red marker, make marks where you want to hurt
yourself. This sometimes helps, especially if you like to see the blood.
Most importantly, get rid of anything you could hurt yourself with.
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Comment by Anonymous
I have always realised that it is wrong, there must be something wrong with someone who part-takes in such things. It is good to see that it is not such an uncommon thing.
Thank you for putting these up. And thank you for some ideas on what to do when the urge is there.
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I am glad that you found them helpful. Good luck in your recovery efforts.
Mis
Comment by Anonymous
When you are not a regular self abuser - what`s the go there? Mine is not ritualistic - I don`t cut but I burn (my regular weapon of choice is matches, although I like lighters now and again too) , it`s not the blood that I am after it`s that release, the sheer pleasure of feeling the pain of that burn and the pride I feel when I see the scars after. My scars feel like trophies to me. I realise this is no councelilng session but I am not prepared to speak to a councellor about this - I was just wondering about your feelings on what I have said? i don`t really find the things you have mentioned helpful to my case - when it is on my mind, it is on my mind and i need to do it. It is not regular - I am talking about maybe 10 times over the past 5 years. I am a very creative person and feel that 'silenced mouth' syndrome you speak of. I was also abandoned by my father at a young age.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
When you are not a regular self abuser - what`s the go there?
You look then for what triggers your need to self harm.
it`s not the blood that I am after it`s that release,
many abusers like this release... for many it is orgasmic while for others it is a way to feel something...anything...
the sheer pleasure of feeling the pain of that burn and the pride I feel when I see the scars after.
Many folks consider scarred arms to be skin journals.... they tell a story
It takes many folks a long time to tell a counselor or other professional about this
I was just wondering about your feelings on what I have said?
I appreciate that ou have taken the time to comment here and give me your insight.
I am a very creative person and feel that 'silenced mouth' syndrome you speak of.
I hope that you are able to use your creative ability to deal with your father's abandonment and your need to burn. I hope that you and your stepfather have a close relationship. I wish you well.
Mis