Ways to stop cutting part 2

Preventing The Next Episode

Method 1-remove anything you have used to self harm before

9 times out of 10, if you have to look for something to self harm with, it will crush the impulse. Don't keep sharp things on surfaces nearby. don't put razors or lighters or anything like that in close drawers or cupboards.

If you feel like you can't throw them out, try wrapping your tools up tight and on a shelf that's hard to reach. Remember to distract yourself when the urge comes round. Or you could give them to someone else, guaranteeing you wont be able to find them. You will be mad at first, but you'll thank them later...

Method 2-reward yourself


Every day, if you haven't self harmed, draw yourself a picture. Stick it up on the wall above or beside your bed. That way, every time you go to sleep, you can see the pictures and remind yourself of how strong you are, and how far you've come. If you cut, you have to take the pictures down and start over.

If you don't want to draw, make a paper chain. For every day that you don't self harm, add a link to the chain. If you cut, you have to start again. It will serve as a constant reminder of how well you're doing, supplying you with the motivation to carry on not harming yourself.

Method 3-stop it before it starts

What's the point in doing all this work if you're just going to self harm? As soon as you start to feel the urge, deep breath, fold your arms and relax. Tell yourself that no matter what, you aren't going to self harm. Stay well away from any object that could be used to self harm. This will make it easier not to break your resolution. Lie or sit down, and stay like that until the urge passes, then phone a friend or family member or even a hotline (hotlines mentioned in part 1).

It gets easier. As you successfully let the urge pass without self harming , you will realise how easy it is. Once you conquer one, think about what happened. What worked for you? How good did you feel after?

Method 4-imagine yourself being a bff

Imagine your best friend is about to cut. What would you say? How would you convince them not to? Follow your own advice.