If I don't self-harm, then how can I cope?

Mainly, it depends what you are trying to cope for. Some coping skills could be doing an activity you like to do. Sf harm is possibly one of the worse ways to deal. I started and promise I wouldn't do it again and a year later in here learning how to stop.

There are a lot of other ways to cope, healthier ways than self-harm. For example, I find writing most beneficial for my recovery. But you can try anything: reading, writing, running, drawing, really anything that keeps your mind busy. Also, what I found really really helpful is talking to someone. I have support I never had before and honestly since I found 2 or 3 persons I can trust and talk to whenever I feel down, my recovery path is much easier. We are humans and it's in our nature to do things together. So don't suffer alone. There are people who care, trust me. ;)

Find something that you're passionate about and every time you feel like cutting go and do that activity instead. Or wear rubber bands and every time you feel like cutting instead snap the rubber bands against your wrist or where ever you cut.

I can cope by working on healthier ways to deal with those strong feelings and finding out what works best for me. By gradually realizing that I am stronger than that. By realizing that I am worth more than I think I am and that I don't need to hurt myself to release what I am feeling. I can draw it out, sing it out, play it out, talk it out, etc.

I find that drawing on myself worked really well, also by holding ice in my hand. If it's cutting out of anger, scribbling hard on paper can be a good quick way to let out a burst of emotion. If you feel numb of emotion and want to feel something the ice works well, or snapping a rubber band around your wrist. Sometimes the best coping method is just breathing and remembering the positive things in life. I know you can do it

Redirect the urges into a less destructive way of coping. Different people find different ways work for them. Turning the negative feelings into a positive outlet can really make the differenece in stopping self-harm; whether that be painting and drawing, going to the gym and using physical exerciser or reading and concentrating on another place for a little while. Either way, you can cope without self-harm. Don't let it rule you.

Write in a journal. Coping with depression and anxiety is difficult when you have no one to talk to, so "talk" to your journal!

Self-harming is destructive and it's good that you're looking to find other coping strategies. When you get urges to self-harm, I would recommend taking out a pen and drawing something on your arm or taking a sticker and sticking it on your arm. Through these methods, you're turning a destructive practice into something more constructive and relaxing. Drawing is therapeutic and can take your mind off of the thoughts about self-harm. Try listening to music whenever you get urges as well. You can create a playlist of upbeat music that will help you cheer up and take your mind off of the thoughts to self-harm