Triggering: Butterfly Project.. oops

[I'm-moving-on]

So, I started doing the butterfly project on Saturday when my friend suggested it to me.
"The Rules are:
1. When you feel like you want to cut, take a marker, pen, or sharpies and draw a butterfly on your arm or hand.
2. Name the butterfly after a loved one, or someone that really wants you to get better.
3. You must let the butterfly fade naturally. NO scrubbing it off.
4. If you cut before the butterfly is gone, you’ve killed it. If you dont cut, it lives.
5. If you have more than one butterfly, cutting kills all of them.
6. Another person may draw them on you. These butterflies are extra special. Take good care of them.
7. Even if you don’t cut, feel free to draw a butterfly anyways, to show your support. If you do this, name it after someone you know that cuts or is suffering right now, and tell them. It could help"
I've been cutting on and off for a few months, trying to deal with stress from something that happened early in life. Well, on Saturday, I got up to 5 butterflies, before I cut once and killed them all. Then I got twelve more, and ended up killing them all. Today, within four hours, I got up to eight butterflies (wanted to cut eight times), and thought I was doing pretty good. Then I came home, started worrying, grabbed a pair of scissors, and cut both hips until they bled. Nothing seems to help me.

[Xx.Shes.Unbroken.xX]

I was just thinking about the butterfly thing.
How many things have you tried already, hun?

[I'm-moving-on]

I've tried a lot. I've tried not being alone whenever I get in a mood where I might be tempted, not showering for very long(where I first started cutting), telling my best friend every time it happens so I won't want to do it so much, hiding my razors and scissors, etc.

[Xx.Shes.Unbroken.xX]

I've been cutting for a few years. So, I know how hard it is. Ever tried the rubberband thing? Where you wear a rubberband around your wrist and whenever you wanna cut, you snap it? It leaves welts, and they kinda look like faint cuts. So, that used to help me. Maybe you can try that?

[I'm-moving-on]

Originally Posted by DarkAngel11

I've been cutting for a few years. So, I know how hard it is. Ever tried the rubberband thing? Where you wear a rubberband around your wrist and whenever you wanna cut, you snap it? It leaves welts, and they kinda look like faint cuts. So, that used to help me. Maybe you can try that?

Thanks. I like that idea. I may try it, but I don't know if it will work for me. My parents are more likely to notice that than a few cuts on my hips which no one see.. But you know more about all this stuff than I do, so I will try it. Anything would be better than cutting, I guess.

[Xx.Shes.Unbroken.xX]

I look at it this way, its better than scars. And, wear a jacket... if you want to try that idea, maybe then it will be a little more discreet. Its up to you. But, hmmm.. another idea is taking a piece of ice and holding it to your wrist or place that you cut. It stings like a cut, the redness goes away within a few minutes, and its barely noticable.

[I'm-moving-on]

I will try those ideas. Maybe that will help finally.

[Xx.Shes.Unbroken.xX]

I hope it does! Ever need anyone to talk to, I'm always here. Just add me, and feel free to message me at anytime.

[Kate*]

I'm sorry you're stuggling so much, I used to self harm mildly, mostly scratching and stopped completely back at the end of July. Here's our alternatives list http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f12-s...ves-self-harm/

The waiting for 15 minute intervals made me feel worse, but the ice one worked great for me. Keep trying, I'm sure you'll find something that helps. Getting to the bottom of why you do it and figuring out healthier coping skills is really the best way to stop, though.

[I'm-moving-on]

Thanks. Most of my self harming has been mild like that too, with the exception of the first couple of times, and today. I will look through the suggestions. And I know what caused me to start cutting, now I'm working on stopping it from happening.