What are some alternatives to self-harm?

I think painting on your arms instead of cutting really helps. It also helps to draw red linies with a marker on your arm.

I use to wear a rubber band or two around my wrists and pull it back whenever I felt urged. I then realized it was only satisfying to me because I was still hurting myself. I now prefer writing stories to distract myself or even doodling and sketching animals and landscapes. It's not much, but I'm easily amused.

Some alternatives to self harm are going for a run, exercising in general, talking to friends, drawing/painting, watching movies or television, playing a game, or doing something you love. Just always remember there is always someone there to talk to.🖤

Holding ice, red marker, scribbling, fidgets, snapping a rubber band on your wrist, all can be alternatives

Drawing/sketching, painting , Puzzles , speaking to someone , Sports/fitness , reading , Elastic band on the wrist it doesn't cut its just like a pinch

Understanding self harm is the key to overcoming it, firstly understand why you harm :either in a response to pain(harming when youre upset or stressed to deal with hurt) or to numbness(harming when you feel numb in order to feel something.) If you harm in response to pain alternatives will be different than to numbness. Alternatives (pain) : -physical distraction; distance yourself, go for a walk, go outside, visit a friend -mental distraction: do some coping exercises (focus on 5 things and describe them), read a book, read an article etc. -distance :move the weapon away from you so its less tempting, leave the area etc. -physical:dance around, exercise, practice breathing Alternatives(numbness) : -recreate pain :flick a band in the area, use ice on area, dip limb in cold water -sight:use a marker or pen and create marks, paint can work if you like the sight of blood -ignite emotions :watch something really sad or really happy etc. Alternatives(general) : -talk to friends -reach out on 7cups! -talk in a group chat -move around -stay in company(this saved me a few times personally) Hope this helps 😊