Is there anything you can do to stop cutting yourself?
Is there anything you can do to stop cutting yourself?
Yes, but not something that will hurt you or someone else. You can rip up or punch a pillow, scream your lungs off, jump up and down, or practice a combination of things. Exercise is also a good idea since it can be good for you. If you’re still wondering how to stop yourself from cutting, here are some ideas that a friend of mine suggests:
Is there a way to avoid the urge to cut?
When trying to avoid cutting, a person may fixate on how it would feel to cut themselves. This can make it hard to resist the urge to cut. A way around this is to find sensations that are similar to cutting, but less harmful. Some ways to replace the sensation of cutting include:
What’s the best way to prevent cutting yourself while shaving?
Stay in the bath or shower for a few minutes to let your skin get moist; this will also help rid your skin of oils and dead skin cells that can clog your razorblade. [1] Wetting your hair with hot water will soften the skin, helping to prevent your razor from breaking the surface of it. [2]
How to get help for self-harm and cutting?
Talk therapy may help with learning how to manage emotions in a safe, sustainable way. If a person needs immediate help to stop cutting, they can call a self-injury hotline at 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8388). In the event of an emergency, call emergency services. Cutting is a type of self-harm that some people use to manage negative feelings.
Is there a way to stop cutting yourself?
Cutting is a type of self-harm that some people use to manage negative feelings. The temporary sense of relief it may provide can make it difficult to give up the behavior. With the right support and coping mechanisms, many people who cut are able to stop. The methods explored in this article may help a person avoid cutting.
When trying to avoid cutting, a person may fixate on how it would feel to cut themselves. This can make it hard to resist the urge to cut. A way around this is to find sensations that are similar to cutting, but less harmful. Some ways to replace the sensation of cutting include:
Talk therapy may help with learning how to manage emotions in a safe, sustainable way. If a person needs immediate help to stop cutting, they can call a self-injury hotline at 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8388). In the event of an emergency, call emergency services. Cutting is a type of self-harm that some people use to manage negative feelings.
What to do when you have an idea to cut?
You’ll notice that all the tips in the lists above have nothing to do with the cutting sensation. When you have the idea to self-injure, start by trying the ideas on those lists — such as making art, walking your dog, or going for run. If they don’t help, move on to the substitute behaviors shown below.