Self harm

@Autisticemi

Most people would not consider this as self harm as it is not physically harming you it is a good alternative to sh and helps a lot of people

@Autisticemi,

As per NAMI : " Self-harm / self injury means hurting yourself on purpose. One common method is cutting with a sharp object. But any time someone deliberately hurts themself is classified as self-harm. "

^{Resource link:}

^{(Trigger Warning - self harm )}

^{https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Self-harm}

However snapping a rubber band is * not* considered as self harm *if* it is used to help people *work off * cutting . In that case snapping rubber bands are seen and used as a replacement for cutting or any other form of self harm. For some people who struggle with self-injury, wearing rubber bands is a less destructive coping mechanism. Instead of hurting yourself more severely, you snap a rubber band against your skin. it still hurts, so the urge goes away, but it only leaves a temporary red mark instead of a permanent scar. it's supposed to keep you clean mostly .

Please know that while what you do causes comparititively less physical damage , than other methods- it DOESN'T mean your struggle is any less valid. I am so sorry that you have to do it. I get an impression that these are some tough days for you. I want to tell you to please hang in there. That you are not alone. You can take things to a better spot eventually. Just know that it's possible. Simply remembering that makes our struggle more bearable