What is the best way to cope in a very stressful situation without reverting to self-harm?

I've learned that listening to music is a great calming solution. Soft, gentle melodies. I've also seen a few cases where instead of self-harming, the person would be told to draw (sometimes, specifically a butterfly, but can be anything) where they want to hurt themselves, and I've heard it works pretty well. A few other techniques I've seen are snapping rubber bands on your wrist, or cutting paper.

If you are struggling with self-harm and want to try to prevent this, there is a brilliant guide on the website which offers a lot of different methods, dependent on how you self-harm. For example, if you punch walls, try punch a pillow - it will still enable you to relieve the stress, without causing damage to your body. Also when things are becoming stressful, there are many mindfulness techniques you can try. Take yourself away for half an hour, listen to some relaxation videos, do some breathing exercises and completely remove yourself from the situation for that time. Sometimes taking a break from a stressful situation may help you to clarify things a bit more, so when you have to face you, you are more able to cope with the situation (if this makes sense). When you are stressed, it is harder for you to process situations and deal with them accurately, so take some time for yourself.

I know it's not easy and that you probably think that nothing would help you more than self harming in these situations but this is absolutely not true! you have the power to choose how to react to a stressful situation. you can choose to hurt yourself or you can choose to call a friend and explain to them why you feel stressed. you can choose to write down your feelings in a letter or you could take a piece of paper and make a list of all the things that stress you, then you them one by one and try to think about a solution. It takes an effort but you can make it. just try :)

There are many ways to cope with stressful situations. Different strategies help different people. Some people like to listen to music or do a simple, short activity to distract themselves. I find that the most effective ways to cope with stress is journaling or exercising.

You can try to talk to someone, to cry, to express yourself, to cook something that you love, to take a bath... something that you like.

I personally think the best way to cope is to take deep breaths and tell yourself you can get through the situation, positive thoughts can help calm you

Writing your feelings down in a journal or diary or sharing it with someone who you know cares for you

Stressful situations can often lead to self harm. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy can help you manage your emotions. For example, it teaches you to self soothe in stressful situations by focusing on your five senses mindfully. To do so, I always carry around a bag with me which contains a mint for my sense of taste, some aromatherapy oil for my sense of smell, music on my phone for my sense of hearing, a cardigan for my sense of touch and an uplifting poem to read during the bad times. Once I have my little warrior kit, I try and physically remove myself from the situation- go for a walk, call a friend. Or chat to someone on 7 Cups of Tea which helps and self soothing can help during times you just cannot walk away.

Breathe! The power of a simple breath is understated. Breathe and focus on the now. Be mindful. Then reach out to a friend or family member and talk about your stressful situation.

Finding alternatives to self harm cam be very affective, distractions, self soothing, distress tolerance skills.