How do you fight the urge to cut?

[TheNiteSiren]

What most people don't know about me is that I have been a cutter since the age of 13. I have been fighting the urge to cut since this last change of meds to treat my bipolar. Today has been especially hard because I am depressed and sent a hurtful message to someone out of spite to get back at someone else by revealing a secret because I was angry with them.

Not sure if anyone else here knows what I am dealing with. Frankly I don't have anyone to talk to because everyone else in my life is just too damn "BUSY" to take the time to just talk with me. If there is anyone who knows what its like...please tell me how you fight the urge because I think I am losing my battle tonight.

 

[SweetErika]

I hope you've continued to resist the urge to cut tonight.

How did you resist the urge after the last time you cut? Have you been in therapy? Think back to what's worked for you in the past. Do you have some safe, healthy activities that you typically turn to for comfort, release, endorphins, etc.? Have you tried viewing your recovery like recovering addicts, i.e., congratulate yourself on making it through the next second, minute, hour, day...?

If you need to talk to someone who understands or just make it through the next hour, try one of the self-harm hotlines, like 1-800-DONT-CUT.

 

[honeybee_345]

I know the exact position you are in. I am learning to live with bp as well. Cutting has always been a temptress in times of stress for me. I battle it with self-care before episodes occur and I have a set protocol to take when such urges arise. Basically it goes like this
1. Deep Breath
2. Reach outside of yourself (hotlines are great for this because they are open 24/7)try to get to someone in person. Having someone just sit with you can be the biggest help.
3. Remove any temptation
4. Walk/move around try to remove yourself from your emotions

I'm sending positive healing energy your way. I know what its like.

Bee Well <3

 

[Kalamain]

Have you tried slapping as an alternative?

My daughter was having issues at school and started scratching as a form of dealing with it. We got her some help and one of the things that was mentioned was using slapping as an alternative.

You very simply close your eyes as tight as you can. deep breath in....Deep breath out, think very hard about the thing that has annoyed you and slap the inside of your arm with the fingers of your hand. ONLY EVER YOUR FINGERS....NEVER YOUR HAND.

The important thing is the breathing and the visualising in your head what the issue is. The slap is simply the equivalent of a paper cigarette to a smoker. Its not he same but does a lot less damage.
In time you need to concentrate more on the breathing and the visualising and less on the physical.

Above all else....
Get some proper medical help. Talk to someone.
Is there anyone with you that you love and trust enough to talk to them about it?

Depression is a terrible thing and can really mess a person up. You need help... Even the best of us needs help at times. Don't think for a second that you are putting someone out or taking up their time... If they are your friend then they are your friend!!!

Also....
Taken from this page
http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/self_injury.php

When you are not feeling suicidal, write a list of what these good things are. Keep it with your survival plan.
You could also keep photos or other reminders of good times - feeling so bad will pass. These suggestions may help you through it.

As mentioned there are various phone numbers you could call. I'm not in the US so I don't know of any over there. But here in the UK we have a couple...
At the bottom of that link I posted above is a bunch of websites that offer some advice. and a few phone numbers if anyone reading this in the UK has a similar problem.

One other thing that was suggested for my daughter that I possibly should have put above...
Do you sing at all? My daughter does and it does help her.
It was suggested by her counselor to help her through those difficult moments.

Make a play list of upbeat/happy songs that you like and that you can sing/hum/mumble along to... When you feel down put them on and sing out!!! Avoid slower music unless it has a direct link to a happy place in your mind.
Take out those photos from your survival box and look at them and remember the happy event and the happy time.

I really hope this has helped you in some way.
*hugs*

 

[GiggLeGasm]

call your doc.. this is not something you should need to fight alone and it's more than most friends are prepared to deal with.

 

[FGB]

Some good ideals here.

A twelve step program might help, Emotions Anonymous while not very heavy duty could be a start... professional help also in a group setting, it has helped Cutters before...

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

People who cut need to slap the dog shit outta the folks who oppress them. Doing it might be worth a little jail time. I mean make their ears ring for a week. Otherwise join the army and kill Christian missionaries in the Congo.

 

[asianannyv]

You should consider reading "A Bright Red Scream". I think that's the name. Best wishes with your struggle!

 

[TheNiteSiren]

Felt the urge again today when I spotted my crush's girlfriend and so how I couldn't even attempt to compare to her. It stung badly and I won't lie, it put me in a depressed mood for the rest of day but I didn't give into it. Starting to realize how much I am my own worst enemy.

 

[Aamazing1]

Workout, listen to music and seek a group.
Don't stay locked in your head and make a decision to not let your emotions mind fuck you.
Hope that helps.

 

[Kalamain]

Felt the urge again today when I spotted my crush's girlfriend and so how I couldn't even attempt to compare to her. It stung badly and I won't lie, it put me in a depressed mood for the rest of day but I didn't give into it. Starting to realize how much I am my own worst enemy.

Good for you for keeping it together.

That realisation may well be the key to understanding yourself and working to help yourself.

Also... You need to try and stop comparing yourself to everyone else.

If truth be told I *KNOW* its not easy. I'm having a hard time of it on here in a place that is open and receptive!

How did you stop yourself from cutting? If it worked this time it may work again. Finding ways to help yourself is great. Just try not to forget them.

Don't be afraid to call on your friends.