How do you control suicidal thoughts and prevent yourself from going back into self-harm?

If I was ever feeling suicidal, I would write down the thoughts in my head and take away the pain with a pen and paper in my journal or through poetry or art and drawing...something alot more productive then taking it out on myself or others.

When i had my suicidal thoughts and wanted to cut myself i will just draw butterflys all over my hand and name then, and make them all colorful because thats cool, and then im going to think "no i dont want to hurt them" and in the end i wont hurt them, or myself. s

I just try to think that i am only going to feel worse if i hurt myself after i have acomplished so much, and ask myself if is it worth it?

Talk to someone, or call a hotline to talk about your issues! When I'm feeling suicidal or thinking about self harm I usually call my terapist

Think about the reason why you decided to stop..even better, write it down somewhere and place it where you can watch it everyday. One of the best ways is to know the triggers and avoid them. These urges to hurt ourselves doesn't stay for long...try distracting yourself till it lasts..try doing something that makes you happy, like drawing, listening to happy music, cooking, go for a run..a hard one maybe or better..talk to someone and let them do the job.

Find other outlets for pain other than self harm ? E.g colouring , venting to a friend, sucking on ice chips, snapping a rubber band ? Gradually ease away from self harm by using less harmful methods ?

You call the suicidal hotline and they will help you. Don't hesitate to call them immediately and have yourself admitted.

Chat with someone on this website. Tell them everything, and they might be able to help. If they cannot help, call a lifeline, chat with any friends you have, and, if its bad enough, tell your family. Keep all weapons (Rasors, knives, guns, etc) away from you so you are not tempted when you see them.

Try and find ways of distracting yourself from those thoughts with self-care or self-soothing techniques, or try to be around loved ones who can make you happy by spending time with you. If all else fails, just remember that these emotions will pass at some point and you'll feel better later.

just think about the people who love you or actually care about you and would do anything to protect you always from any harm. Think about this life as a gift and how this one situation or any other might not be as important for you in the next 5 years as it seems today.