Stopping the urge to cut

[BlackDove]

I normally wouldn't do this but I need some help. I've been cutting on and off for 4 years now. I don't know why I do it but I just do (one pain to cancel out the other pains maybe?). What would you suggest to try to stop the urge to cut? I've tried talking to friends about it, using a rubber band, blasting music, etc... but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?

[Through-Glass]

Hi there,

In my own experience, I have found that it is not a matter of stopping the urge; it is a matter of not acting on those urges. Learn to feel that pull, but still control it; realize that self-harming is not going to produce any sort of desirable outcome. At times, it may help if you try to identify what has triggered the desire to cut. Other times, try to distract yourself; again, it's not a matter of ridding yourself of the urge, but learning to control and not give in to those feelings. With time, they will pass, and come around less and less frequently.

Take care, and if you would like to talk about this more, let me know.

[bnwhite]

I'm glad to hear that you're at a point where you want to stop cutting, that's great! As far as other alternatives, you could check out the alternatives thread. For me, I sat down and came up with my own list of alternatives, which had a balance of things that would distract me from the urges (like music, reading, etc) and things that made me actually sit and think about the urges (like writing). But not everything is going to work for you, it's important to try different things out and see what does help. I've also found that it helps me to have the list I've got written down, so that when I'm dealing with those urges, I know exactly what my choices are and I don't have to sit there thinking about different things I could possibly do. I hope this helps some. If you need anything, feel free to PM me.

[BlackDove]

I've tried to distract myself from acting upon those urges but to no avail. I mean it works for the short term but in the long run they just come back stronger and more frequent. I've tried talking to my friend about it but I don't want to leave a burden on her. I'm a loner so its hard for me to talk to people about anything especially this. I used to write but it doesn't do the same for me as it used to.

[Dont3verLooseHope]

same ive tried most things and have no found any personal relief from not cutting .
except for one . i heard taking a cold shower or bath works , well it worked for me . gave me like a rush which i would get from cutting .. but or the long run ? well you just gotta tough it out i guess . distract yourself helps .
talk to me whenever , im kinda going through a similar situation , i not that's okay xx take care . x

[Palmolive]

Hey there.

I am really sorry that you're struggling badly with these urges to self harm. They can be extremely difficult to deal with.

Here is a link to alternatives to self harm. I know you say you've been trying ti distract yourself etc and the urge always comes back but right now it's about dealing with that urge at the moment. You get the urge, distract yourself, do what ever, then when the urges come back, you re-start over and I honestly believe this will make you stronger. But getting through those times are going to be really hard and you have to stick with it and have determination to pull through.

Do you have anyone to talk to talk to such as a therapist? Having someone there for support might be really useful for you. You could even talk to a teacher or a doctor. All these people care about you and want what's best for you. They can and will help you but you have to let them in in order for them to be able to do so. A therapist will be able to help you deal with the self harm and the urges and will help you find ways to manage them.

I know its hard right now, but stick at it and you can and will beat it.

I hope this helps.
Jessie

[bnwhite]

I know how hard it can be to try and stop. What I've had to realize is that you have to actually be ready to give it up. I've tried so many times in the past to stop, but thinking back on it, I was never truly ready to quit hurting myself. And I know how it is to feel like you're a burden to your friends. But if you ever need to talk to someone, you can PM me.