A less distructive method of self harm

[penguin]

I realize this may not be posted but i'm going to say this anyway.

I see so many of you cutting and burning . I just want you all to know that using an elastic band - pinging it hard on your wrist is a far less distructive option. The next time you have the urge and cant resist. Use the elastic band first . You will probably find you will not then have that need to cut or burn. This is still self harm but it is less distructive. Leaving raised marks and bruisng not scars. My psychiatrist suggested this to me and even gave me an elastic band. When I asked her for a better way. I now dont SI and used the elastic band latterly - not needing to cutor burn coz the elastic band calmed me sufficiently and brought me back to base level so i could cope again. Please please please.I urge you before you cut or burn or what ever else next time. Use the elastic band first - you will find you wont need anything else. I am NOT promoting SI of course not. I know though how hard it is to stop and unless you are in the place where you can give your selfharm to God you will find it hard. Do ask GOd to help you give it to him. YOu have got to want to stop though. SI was my security blanket for a long time. I know therefore how hard it is to stop.
Penguin

 

[Deamiter]

A big part of SI is how addictive it gets. When you're triggered (by being yelled at, or by a movie, or even just by thinking) you begin to fixate on injuring yourself. A rubber band is CERTAINLY still a form of SI, but if you're looking for a way to break the habit and can't just stop, it's also a wonderful idea! It gives the pain that can very effectively snap you out of the mental rut, but it doesn't endanger your life. It's also easy to step it down slowly as you find you can go with less and less.

Little tricks like this will very rarely work without professional help. They're also not right for everybody -- as I'm sure you've heard before, "talk to your doctor" about it! It IS however, something that can easily help you replace harmful SI as you fight to break the cycle!

 

[nessa]

a rubber band is a good idea...in fact, that is what they give you if you are put into a mental hospital for self injury (i would know)....But i had a problem with it

It helped..yes, but not to the extent that i needed. with self injury (i won't name how i do), i am able to see what i did, to remind me that the pain is real. A rubber band just lets me feel it for a few minutes.

If anyone needs to talk..pm me!

 

[diamondsontheinside]

I do that sometimes...

I know it's not as bad, but do you guys still think it's bad?

 

[penguin]

What do you mean by bad? If you mean is the elastic band still Self harm ? then yes it is. And yes Self harm isnt what god would want us doing, so the elastic band is still self harming but it is less distructive. For me it was like a half way house if you see what I mean . Self harm is wrong but I know exactly what it is like,and it's not easy to just stop doing it. I had to get to a place of being willing to hand it all over to God before i was able to stop. I thought that self harm was a real help. Then someone said that how can something wrong be of help? Good point!
hope this answers your question!
Pengion

 

[I'ddie4him2]

I actually agree with the idea and the purpose behind it.
I used this type of reenforcing behavior when I tried to quit smoking.
Every time I wanted to light up, I snapped myself with the rubber band.
That only lasted a month.
I haven't hurt myself for many months now tho.
So, I succeeded in one way.

 

[lostndown]

hey diamonds!
i'm so sorry ive been ofline. how are you doing????? i miss my sis - you. *hugs*

lylas,
Michelle