What are some alternatives to self-harm?

I like to draw. Drawing expresses your feelings and does not have to be perfect. Sometimes I'll do something as simple as drawing an arm with red marks across it. I also like to write because I find it easier to express my feelings through written word than saying them out loud. I like to listen to music, because it feels like there is someone out there feeling the same way I do. And sometimes I like to watch a cathartic movie.

If you can, try messing with inanimate objects like punching bags, pillows, maybe evan walls. Do something that still makes you feel in control of the situation.

Get creative through art and music or maybe try a sport. I usually write songs to express how I feel. It also helps to remind yourself that it's pointless. Self-harm isn't going to fix/change the situation. All it does is hurt you more.

A cold shower, rubber bands, watching a funny movie, phoning friends or talking to someone on 7 Cups

Writing. Write down exactly how you feel, instead of hurting yourself. Try to describe all your feelings.

Squeeze ice cubes, go where you can't, try some grounding exercises, make lists, list how you feel, Google distractions, call a friend.

I personally like to take bathes and wash my hair, wash my body (ect). It feels nice and refreshing. Another thing is watching netflix. Be around people who make you smile. Drawing on your body. Being on 7cupsoftea and talking to one of our amazing listeners. Take a jog, yoga and meditation are great too.

Listen to music (a good jam out and headbanging session can really help). Take a thirty minute hot (but not too hot) Shower and think. Or you could talk about it. There are plenty of safe alternatives to self-harm.

http://sirius-project.org/2011/08/16/distractions-and-alternatives-to-self-harm/ Here's a website which gives specific things to do based on your mood.

If you want to harm youself, please consider calling the following numbers: Call someone - 1-800-273-TALK: This is a 24-hour crisis hotline if you're about to self-harm or are in an emergency situation. 1-800-334-HELP: This number is the Self Injury Foundation's 24-hour national crisis line. 1-800-DON'T-CUT: This number provides information about self-harm. Self harm alternatives: Draw - Draw on your body with a marker. If you find your thoughts continually drifting back to harming yourself, one alternative is to draw on your body with a marker. Draw on the place where you are thinking of harming yourself. Ink won't leave a scar. Sleep it off - when you feel like self harming at night, go to bed early. Remove tools - flush it down the toilet, throw it in the trash or remove it from your reach. Use a pin - this is your absolute LAST resort, a pin doesn't cause as much damage and is scarier to use so it should deter you. Use a rubber band - this can hurt a lot more than cutting but leaves no damage - use this if desperate. Ice - this can hurt a lot more than cutting but leaves no damage - use this if desperate. Butterfly Project - draw a butterfly on the area you self harm - if you self harm, you've killed the butterfly, if you don't you let it live. Label it with the name of someone you care about. Nails - dig your nails into your skin or scratch.