What else can I do?

[Blair]

Nothing else makes me feel safe when I've had a flashback. I know it doesn't make sense, but it calms me down. It helps me relax and remember that I'm okay and he can't hurt me anymore. After all that time in rehab and all the therapists...I still don't know anything else that really works and some issues with my new boyfriend have been triggering more flashbacks so I just don't know what else to do

[Discombobulated]

Hey Blair,

You're strong, and i know you can get through this. I know it can be hard sometimes and it feels like theres no other option but there is. You spent so much time getting better, you don't want to relapse now.
Take a look at the alternatives, and find one that works for you. Perhaps ring a friend or talk to a family member, anything that will distract you from these urges.

You know i'm always here for you if you want to talk,
Take care and stay strong,
Charli <3

[Palmolive]

Hi there love.

Recovery from self harm is going to be hard, whether you've spent two days as an in-patient or two years. But it does and it will eventually get easier. You know just as much as I do that actually self harm isn't going to solve anything. You can do it as much as you like but in reality its not and never will stop the flashbacks or remove what you have been through in the past from your life. I can relate to it, but at the end of the day I think you just need to carry on working through this issues which are making you want to self harm. In the meantime when you get urges you need to distract yourself. You've seen our list of alternatives here, try them, try them all until you find several which help you. Write the ones down which help you the most. Make a pretty poster with them all on. Get a box and decorate it with things which cheer you up and make you happy. Put the poster in the box and go to it when ever you feel an urge and do one of those distractions. As time goes on, build to this box. I have one of these and it's called a first aid box AKA happy box. Put anything that makes you feel better or cheers you up in there or even distractions, nail varnish, a teddy, letters, cards, photos, paper and pens, a book, a dvd, write happy memories and put them in there, anything which will help you get through those urges. And use people. Don't ever be alone, you deserve the support. I know it's hard, I really do but I also know that you're strong enough to beat this and get through to the other side. You can do this, you just need to stay determined and keep on talking to people. Don't stop fighting. I'm always here for you if you ever need anything.

Look after yourself.
Jessie

[BlaineG.]

Hi There,

There are a lot of different distractions that can be helpful to you. I would recommend that you try some of these...

- Squeezing Ice Cubes
- Go to the gym
- Go for a bike ride
- Singing
- Knitting
- Drawing or Painting

All of these can be helpful so you do not Self Harm. Its important that you try at least 2 or 3 of these because not all of them will work but I am sure that you could find one that will work.


Please feel free to PM me if you need to talk.


Take Care,

Blaine G.

[Blair]

Thanks so much for the advice. Y'all are the best. And I'll definaty try the box thing, thanks Jessie