Why can't I stop self-harming?

Self harm is a very addictive and also dangerous thing to do. Some people with an addictive personality also may have trouble whilst trying to break the habit.

Self harm can be addicting. I don't mean you'll go through withdrawals when you stop, because that would be ridiculous. However, your brain does enjoy the rush of endorphins it gets every time you harm yourself, and this is the reason you keep coming back to self-harm, even if you tell yourself it's stupid and you'll never do it again.

it is hard to stop something that is both addictive and a coping mechanism, but you have to remember it is dangerous and unhealthy.

Self harming is addictive because it releases endorphin's which make you feel relaxed. There are plenty of methods to stop self harm, such as the rubber band. You put a rubber band on your wrist and when ever you feel the need to self harm you snap the rubber band on your wrist. This is self harm but it doesn't inflict bad wounds, therefore it's a healthy option. You have also got the butterfly project. This is where you draw a butterfly on your wrist or wherever you cut and if you cut/burn it kills the butterfly. If you self harm in a few places, draw them there as well. Name the butterfly after someone who means a lot to you, say your mom, dad, best friend etc. Therefore when you self harm you'll be killing that family member/friend. Last one I know is where you draw lines on your body. Like the butterfly project, it involves drawing on your body. When you need to self harm you draw a line or more on your body, or a burn looking injury, or bruise. Now the bad side to this is that it doesn't give you any pain or doesn't make you resist it, so it is a harder option.

Self-harming is a serious addiction. It can temporarely make you feel better, which makes it tempting to continue the habit. It is, however, not a solution to the problem, and it is important to seek help if you are caught in the habit.

You probably cant stop self harming because self harm has become a coping strategy and therefore gives you "good" feelings. Try to find ways to cope with other methods like drawing, writing or exercise.

There are many reasons why we self-harm. Sometimes it is a cry for help. Sometimes it is a diversion so that we don't have to feel another form of pain. Sometimes we truly loathe ourselves that much to want to inflict pain. Whatever the reason, it is a ritual that you can stop. You need to find the underlying reasons why you feel propelled to self-harm. Only then can you begin the process of forgiving yourself and healing.

You can always stop-- you are in control of your own actions. The real question to ask is "why are you doing this in the first place?" Self-harm is a serious issue and one that can escalate and become dangerous quickly. Tell a friend, tell a professional. Seek help. There are people out there who want to listen and be there for you.

Because it's addictive. When you start, it's really difficult to stop, you'll feel happy only when you cut or have fresh cuts,

self harming releases the hormone endorphins into your body Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. this is why cutting is so addictive.