need help stopping

[pikamonachu]

I've been cutting for almost 3 years now. I don't know why I started but it's gotten addictive.to the point now that everytime I get upset, I cut, which is a daily thing anymore.It feels relieving to me . I really want to stop because of the horrible scars and thoughts of telling my children one day what they are from. I am oppen to suggestions and I just want to know how to stop.

[Discombobulated]

Hey there,

I'm really sorry things are hard for you at the moment. Self Harm is a vicious cycle and is hard to stop but it is great that you want to stop.
Perhaps take a look at the alternatives thread and try some of them next time you get urges. It is trial and error and not all of them may work for you but hang in there and you will find one that does.
Also perhaps you could talk to someone you trust such as a parent or doctor? Someone that can help you through this.
I know you can get through this,

Feel free to PM me if you ever want/need to talk,
Talk care and stay strong,
Charli

[Always Smile]

One thing that helps me a lot is to draw in the place I want to self harm, try it
If it doesn't help you have so many other tips in the Alternatives post, try them.

[Childish Giggle]

Try the butterfly project. It is the most effective if you want to stop cutting. You draw a butterfly on the place where you feel like cutting and give it a name. If you cut it, the butterfly dies. You are not allowed to scrub the butterfly. Let it fade away naturally. If it does fade away, that means that it has flown away. It gives you confidence. I hope that you have heard about it before?
If you need to talk, PM/VM me anytime

[Palmolive]

Hi there.

It's really amazing that you're taking this step and making this decison to stop self harming. That's really positive.

Recovery from self harm is extremly hard at time and it's going to be hard work. Like the others have already said to you, try using distratcions and alternatives. Not every single one will help you so it's all about finding the ones which do help you and not giving up when you come across the ones which don't. If something doesn't help, forget about it, don't let it bother you and try something new. There will be ones which you find beneficial. You need to find the strength in yourself to force you to beat these urges. Even if that means crying for hours on end or watching tv at night until you drop off to sleep without even knowing it. Do what ever it takes to keep yourself safe.

Expressiong emotions can help too. Do you keep a diary etc? You might find writing things out really useful. Or you could even start using the blog area on teenhelp to help you express yourself, let out how're you are feeling and generally rant. You might get some support through that as well. You could alternatily try talking to someone such as a family member (parents, uncle, aunite, grandparents etc), friends, a teacher, a doctor or a school nurse/counselor. All of these people care about you and can try their best to support you through this. You never have to be alone.

Remember, you're in control of your actions and the only person who can ultimately stop you from hurting yourself is you. I know it's hard but you can beat this, you're worth so much than self harm or the pain that you put yourself through. Don't give up, keep fighting this and never be alone.

Take good care and keep yourself safe.
Jessie.