Keeping self-harm safe

Introduction

I know this seems like a topic I shouldn’t write about because it’s dangerous and you should find an alternative (which I’ll write about in another blog). However, some people, me included, will do it no matter what and it’s better if they do it safely. I remember looking up this subject and only finding it on quora or reddit but never a full post about it. So, I decided to do it myself! You’ll find information on tools, spots, hygiene and aftercare. Of course, I’d prefer you not do it all because there are other ways but if you’ve decided to do it then keep reading to do it safely. Lastly, if you’re self-harming in hopes of committing suicide then please get help (helplines, doctors, family or friends).

Tools

There are multiple ways of self-harming: not sleeping, not eating, not drinking, scratching, burning, cutting, hitting etc. Today I’m mostly going to talk about cutting and scratching since that is my choice of poison. Talking tools, you should use something that can be easily disinfected, pretty new (no rust!) and always very clean.

When I was in the psych ward, I didn’t have access to much tools my first time around so I used my nails. I wouldn’t recommend it because it leaves pretty awful marks and doesn’t really hurt. In addition, it’s really hard to get really clean nails so it will higher the risk for infection.

Otherwise, I would use plastic table wear that I’d torn apart to create a sharp point. It didn’t cut very well; I wasn’t satisfied because there was no blood and I’m left with scars almost as bad as the nail’s ones. The problem too is that it’s not very sanitary: you can’t disinfect it by heating it because it will melt logically and even if use liquid sanitise, it will never really be clean because it’s plastic and probably will have blood marks on it. And plastic just gets and stays dirty, I don’t know why.

People often use knifes or blades and honestly, I think it’s the best option: you can sanitise them by heating them, the cuts are more precise thus leaving thinner scars that in my experience, heal better, it hurts and bleeds more so it’s more satisfying. Be careful though for rust; it can infect a cut really badly. Infected spots will leave even worse scars.

If you don’t know how sharp a tool is, please try it lightly before going all out: one time I opened my leg really badly because I went to hard with a very sharp tool (that I hadn’t even cleaned…). It’s not because it’s self-harm and you inflict it to yourself that you shouldn’t be careful; it has consequences as everything does. I know sometimes it’s hard to stop and think about this but trust me, my skin is scarred for life and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able de wear a swimsuit around people again. That’s why it’s important to think about the spot on your body where you’ll make the cut(s).

Spots on body

You should always choose a fatty area, or if you’re very thin, the biggest part on your body. The more fat, the less the risk of touching something important. Absolutely avoid the stomach and chest area. I suggest thighs and upper arms.

To avoid damaging veins, you should cut in the direction of the veins to lessen the risk of cutting through one (which can obviously lead to serious damage and death).

If you’re concerned about scars, I suggest cutting yourself in places where people wouldn’t think of self-harm. You can make it look like a scar from tripping and falling or from low branches in the forest by cutting yourself on your lower legs. You can also choose a place like, the very upper thigh/butt, that nobody would see in a bathing suit. You can then go over it multiple times to have fewer scars. It’s less satisfying but probably worth not having to worry about scars.

As I said above, small slits with a very sharp and thin tool (razor blade) will make fainter scars; some of mine you can’t even see even though they hurt and bled a lot.

Hygiene

To prevent infection, I already said it and will say it again: everything that comes in contact with the cut must be disinfected/sanitised. Wash your skin well before (sometimes I even cut myself in the shower which also helps the bleeding stop faster), wash your hands and sanitise them, check your tools for dirt and rust, heat the blade or knife or whatever metal object you have beforehand, wait for it to cool down and then you can start. After the fact, you should also wipe your tools to get rid of blood and sanitise everything again (cut, skin, tool). This will almost certainly prevent the cut from getting infected and leaving a very ugly scar. But it doesn’t stop here, there’s also aftercare.

Aftercare

The wound should be disinfected everyday (with clean hands!). If there’s a lot of bleeding just after, you should put a band aid on the cut to prevent the blood from staining clothes, bed sheets, furniture and so on. If the wound is deep, doesn’t seem to heal well or gets stuck in clothes (ripping the protective lair from the cut), you should keep putting band aids on for a few days. Same thing if liquid is coming out of the wound. However, it’s important to let it breathe as well, preferably at night.

If the cut is very deep (wide enough you can push the two sides of the cut back together), you need to seek medical care in case you need stitches. It’s hard not to feel embarrassed or shameful, but trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Last word

This blog is coming to an end. I’d lastly like to say: think about the consequences! May it be infections, scars or damage to veins. I know it’s hard and I for sure didn’t stop to think but if you’re reading this, please, please consider what I’m saying. I regret some things and how I did them, I don’t won’t you to feel the same shame and embarrassment I do.

Remember, it’s never too late to ask for help! If you are self-harming you need to address yourself to a therapist, a psychiatrist, a psychologist or your general doctor (please). It may mean that you need to let things out as well: there is probably at least one person you can talk to.

That being said, I hope this helped you in some was or was just interesting. And I’m out! Bye!