Safe Alternatives To Self Harm

[maddog]

Hi everyone.

I apologise for what is almost definitely an old, much-discussed topic in the past, but I am struggling rather embarrassingly to find anything I'm looking for on the site this morning and am running short of resolve to keep battling my technological incompetence...

Was wondering if someone could direct me to any previous threads discussing healthy alternatives to control self harming urges? I've seen this topic eluded to recently and would appreciate reading over old discussion and suggestions. Alternatively, if anyone has any particular suggestions, strategies or activities that they would be happy to share with me, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Maddog

 

[olaja]

Sorry, that I don't have any links to old discussions for you.

FWIW, I find fine motor activities to be very helpful. I can really enjoy ripping things to shreds - any kind of paper will do, or empty tissue boxes for harder paper, or even magazines if I need something with even more resistance.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

I remember someone talking about going to a thrift store, buying old plates, braking them. Using the pieces to make something out of the pieces.

 

[Queen Boudica]

I smashed a whole crockery set in one go once. Threw every single piece against the wall. It was very satisfying, though i was quite horrified I had done it afterwards.

And the mess I had to clean up, was awful.

Never thought about making something from the pieces.

 

[bluemoon]

I have been advised (& also read) that applying an iceblock esp. between the fingers, & snapping your wrist with an elastic band. Can be a last resort because you suffer physical discomfort without damaging yourself....?
Take care maddog

 

[Srain]

I find all of the above has worked for me, pounding pillows is so so.

I LOVE going to a place where I kick can stuff and scream as loud as I want. It's tough to start out but it really works.

I also write.
I paint it out in the colours I am feeling.
I tap against my against my chest methodically sometimes..one tdoc told me to that.BUT..if you do it too hard then it's a thin line to too much..I'm guessing.

peace,
Rain

 

[LoyalOne]

What a very strange feeling I got when I read this topic and saw the first few responses; I used to smash dishes and cut myself up with the pieces.

I took up knitting to keep my hands busy. Knitting, fan painting, beading, scrapbooking - any fine, detailed work will do. Knitting lace is particularly absorbing for me.

None of these suggestions may be 'manly' enough for you, maddog :) but building model ships/planes, tying flies, anything nitpicky and small might help?

 

[bluemoon]

Any ways that we can avoid Self Harm ?

 

[The Albatross]

I when I get the urge... or the voice in my head speaks up... I use it like a yellow or red flag and consciously choose to change course. I build in some flexible time in most days... so I can stop or postpone something and go do "the opposite" of self harm. I can go to a gym, I can give myself a facial, I can read something inspirational, do color therapy, do breathwork or deep relaxation, go to the beach or a park, tai chi, tae bo, jump on my mini trampoline, peddle on my exercise bike to heavy metal, I can take my dog for a walk, I can grab a nutritious meal, get a hair cut, do a manicure or pedicure, do skin care, snuggle up with a pet for a nap, play silly songs and dance, sing in the hottest shower I can stand, do a bubble or detox bath with aromatherapy and candles, go to breakfast or lunch with a friend, go to the local supermarket and plan a delicious meal and enjoy being in the kitchen and preparing it.

I lived avoidantly and defensively for a long time... and there would always be times when I couldn't cope. So instead of avoiding... opposites choices and actions work more consistently for me. When my brain says turn right, I turn left instead. It gets easier with practice.

For me the idea is... by reinforcing life affirming and self caring instead of self harm or self harming thoughts and urges... they have less power or anxiety for me. And for me this has been true and I am more comfortable in general unless triggered. But even when I'm triggered... on the initial fear response, I consciously choose to acknowledge the fear, but not the self harming suggestion... I consciously choose to change something and do something self caring or even loving instead. (hacked it up but I hope it makes sense)

 

[The Albatross]

P.S. I learned and practice "urge surfing": http://www.mindfulness.org.au/URGE SURFING.htm
It is used not only for substance abuse but is useful for any self harming behavior.

 

[bittersweet]

I like to take a paper plate and fill it with a little water and freeze it. (I do this days in advance) and i take them out and smash them. Its safe, relieves the pain and can be fun kinda. The ice melts so you can't be tempted to hurt yourself with the pieces. I also write, do crossword and word search puzzles. I do anything that will completely take over my mind and change it's course of thought.

 

[Innordinate]

P.S. I learned and practice "urge surfing": http://www.mindfulness.org.au/URGE SURFING.htm
It is used not only for substance abuse but is useful for any self harming behavior.

This might be useful. thanks