TeenHelp - No longer cutting- scratching instead?

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- - No longer cutting- scratching instead? (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f12-self-harm/t84897-no-longer-cutting-scratching-instead/)

Lullaby857

September 27th 2011 01:28 AM

No longer cutting- scratching instead?

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?

Stargazed.

September 27th 2011 01:46 AM

Re: No longer cutting- scratching instead?

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. :)

ElsatheDepressionSlayer

September 27th 2011 03:51 AM

Re: No longer cutting- scratching instead?

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. :)

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