Alternatives to self-harm

I would like to start by saying you should check out my earlier post about self-harm. It is about how to keep it safe. Of course it is better to find an alternative. To get things clear, self-harm is an efficient way to cope: the reward is instant and bigger than anything else. But there are way more consequences like scars and developing an addiction to it. So, if you're looking for alternatives you are in the right spot!

Alternatives:

• rubberband

• ice

• freezing or boiling shower

• spike ball

• horror/gore movies (catharsis)

• music

• makeup

• ask someone to give you a rough massage (but it must hurt a lot hahaha)

• going in a forest and braking branches, screaming or any other pressure relieving technique

• draw lines with a pen where you would cut, scratch or burn

• take a nap

• call a friend

• call a hotline

• write down all the pain you would like to put yourself through and burn the paper

• stress relieving toys

• open a photo album and relive your best memories

• surround yourself with people, DO NOT STAY ALONE!!!!!!

• do a face mask

• write down all the things you are grateful for

• smell a putrid essential oil (not one that you love!!!)

These are just a thew ideas and there are so many more. The essential idea is to keep yourself occupied.

Another thing I suggest is having all the alternatives right in front of you: when all you want and think about is self-harm it is hard to see all the possibilities. Having them at arm's reach will make you remember they exist. I have a board with all the alternatives above my desk and all the physical alternatives on my desk. I see them all the time and I guess eventually it will get easier to think about them.

That said, it is a long road to recovery and honestly I still use self-harm to relieve pressure a lot. This past week it was everyday. But just putting down the alternatives or reading about them reminds your brain that other possibilities exist and that is the first step. And every time you see them they will stick with you a little more.

Thank you for reading. I hope it helps you bit. Stay strong!