Stop self harming

It may seem as though you are all alone in the world; that there isn't anybody who can help you through your situation, but there is. Many organisations and groups can offer you support and there are also different strategies you can use to stop self harming. Read on to find out more.

"At the time that you are doing it, it may seem hard to stop self harming, but if you keep working on it and get the help that you need, you will be able to. The best way is to get better coping skills in how to handle your usual stresses and triggers. Yes, you may have some relapses, I have had many, but all you can do then is to keep trying and trying and not give up," Abbey.

Step 1: Be ready to take the first step

Accept that you are a self harmer and you want to get out of this situation. Believe that you need to stop self harming and you want to find a safer way of coping with your problems. Be brave, take a deep breath and seek some help. It has to be your decision, if you try to quit for anyone other than yourself you probably won't be able to stop.

Step 2: Talk to someone

The best way you can help yourself is by talking about how you feel and learning to deal with those issues that have caused you to self harm in the first place.  You may find you can turn to a close friend, family member or teacher. It may be that the anonymity of online discussion boards (such as the one's here on TheSite) that will help you start to talk about your issues and get the confidence to go on and find more professional help.

Step 3: Find distractions that work for you and develop better coping methods

• Understand why you self harm, what are your triggers?
• Write down who you are angry at rather than taking that anger out on yourself. Pretend a pillow is that person and take your anger out on that instead.
• Learn to recognise the patterns of your self harming and find ways to distract yourself before the urge to hurt yourself becomes too great.
• Find other ways to cope with stresses.
• Many people find counselling sessions or cognitive behavioural therapy useful. A trip to your GP can also open up other possibilities appropriate for you such as visiting a psychiatrist, or starting a course of antidepressants.
• You may find that being part of self-help group can also help, as it allows you to discuss your feelings with others in a similar situation. There are some useful resources on the internet on where you can find a support group in your area.
   

Step 4: Keep on keeping on

Stay with it, if you find that counselling/ medication isn't working for you then re-evaluate your options and try another. Stay determined.

What stopped other self harmers? 

"I was afraid that if I would keep doing it that I might cut too deep one time and I would bleed to death." -  Abbey

"My mood lifted for a while, and I simply stopped having the desire to do it. Now I am tempted again, but it seems too much trouble to start dismantling the razor blades to use them, though I think that one time I will be so down that it wont. I have a little theory that theres no such thing as an ex-self harmer, just as theres no such thing as an ex-alcoholic or junkie. Its more an on-going battle than one with an end. Though it is something that can be beaten, slipping back now and again is not something to be ashamed and disgusted of." - David