Self-Injury Support Group

Well, first I would suggest seeing a therapist. Then, I would tell you to think of why you cut. What do you like most about cutting? Do you do it for pain, for blood, or for something else? If you do it for pain, try to find something to replace it. For example, snap a rubber band on your wrist every time you feel like cutting. If you do it to see the blood, mix red food coloring and corn syrup together, get yourself a syrenge (sp? I hope you know what I'm talking about) without a needle in it, fill it up with the mixture (warm it in the microwave too so it feels like warm blood) and "cut" yourself with that. Only instead of cutting, you'll just push down on the syrenge as you drag it across your skin to make it look like you are bleeding. Also, find a distraction. Any time you feel like cutting, take a walk or read a book or color or find something else you enjoy doing. Keep a journal to write down your feelings. And NEVER feel guilty if you slip up and cut. Just pick yourself up and keep on keepn' on. And one thing that has really helped me is reminding myself that if I cut again I will just have more scars. I hate my scars so much. I can't wear short sleeves without someone saying something to me. I hate having to explain myself. I never tell the truth but some people have figured it out anyway and that sucks. It always seems like it happens at work to where it's really embarassing to talk about. I hope some of this helps. And you can always come on here too. We have a great support group. You can PM me too if you need to talk. Take care!

Tiff that was great advice. I don't think I had heard about the syringe trick before...that is a new one for me and one that I might have to try.

hannah

Distractions have worked the best for me. My #1 distration, kittens and puppies on youtube. After watching for a while I usually forget the reason for cutting and don't get back to it.

Thanks Hannah!!

I cut for so many reasons. To see the blood feel the pain and scar myself. I just really hate myself. I know what sets me off and i do all I can to stay away from them but they come to me. I can't find anyone here in my area to talk with. I got out of the hospital in October of last year with no plan...thanks to the hospital. I have been crying and screaming for help to my regular doctor and nothing. No one care....I just want to die. I dream of dying. The thought makes me smile. That is just not right to feel this way but I just can't stop thinking about it. I should go back into the hospital but for what....more drugs that don't work and come out feeling nothing. Being so druged up. that is NOT the answer. Right now I just wish I had a friend to talk with. You know like how people have AA people to help them when they want to drink.

Marcia, you sound very upset. I am so sorry you feel this way. I wish I had a magic pill or wand to make the pain go away. You sound like you may need some more help. Like therapy or a crisis line to talk to. We are here and we can talk to you while you are upset, but we are not doctors and are not trained to help when people are suicidal. Please if you feel you are harming yourself because you have suicidal thoughts please call for some help.

Marcia, here is a number to call when you feel like cutting. 800-DONTCUT(366 8288) It is from the SAFE hotline. I believe they have a website as well, but I couldn't copy it.

Here's that site.

http://www.selfinjury.com/

read my article and diary post on the magic red pen. Also talk to your doctor about how youre feeling cause you are right that you shouldnt feel this way. Distractions def work. Exercise helps and you can always take up boxing or kickboxing if you need to get any anger out. Not seeing cutting as an option is how i get by. The red pen is my last resort. If youre safe around guns you can take up target practice and hunting. Gun hunting just opened yesterday in the south. Good way to release stress...though sitting and waiting is frustrating. Good luck.