Hello guest! (Not a guest? Log in above!) As a guest you can submit help requests, create and reply to Forum posts, join our Chat Room and read our range of articles & resources. By registering you will be able to get fully involved in our community and enjoy features such as connect with members worldwide, add friends & send messages, express yourself through a Blog, find others with similar interests in Social Groups, post pictures and links, set up a profile and more! Signing up is free, anonymous and will only take a few moments, so click here to register now!
Self Harm If you or someone you know is struggling with self harm and needs advice or alternatives, we're here to help.
No longer cutting- scratching instead? -
September 27th 2011, 01:28 AM
So I haven't cut since the beginning of summer, and I'm very proud of it. However, I have gotten urges, more frequent lately, although I've never gone through with them. Anyways, instead of cutting, I noticed myself scratching my arms. Not just normal scratching, but really hard. Not hard enough to bleed, but my arm stays red for a long time, and I don't know whether or not this is an acceptable substitute for cutting. Thoughts?
Re: No longer cutting- scratching instead? -
September 27th 2011, 01:46 AM
It's good you've stopped cutting but if you're scratching to intentionally harm yourself, as I suspect you are since you called it an alternative, then it's still self-harm. Find something to distract yourself from urges such as drawing, writing, singing at the top of your lungs, punching a pillow, snapping a rubberband, etc. There's a thread on alternatives at the top of the self-harm forum. I wish you luck. I'm here if you need me, I'm just a PM away.
Re: No longer cutting- scratching instead? -
September 27th 2011, 03:51 AM
I agree with everything the above poster said. Scratching is not an alternative, and it is still considered SH. That being said, it is better than cutting, so well done on stopping that. Try the alternatives, and good luck.