why do people SI?
Why would anyone choose to inflict physical damage on him or herself? This may be the aspect of self-harm that is most confusing and worrying to those who do not do it.

what Self-injurers say self injury does for them;

1)helps them to escape from emptiness, depression, and feelings of unreality
2)it realeases tension
3)expressed emotional pain
4)helps to prove that they are alive; to see blood flow and feel pain proves that they are living despite the numbness.
5)exerting control over one's body and life
6)coping with feelings of alienation

how do i stop SI?
in order to stop SI, you first have to be sure that you want to and that it is the right time for you to stop. if you try to stop against your will or before you are ready, it will be a much harder battle.
once you have decided to stop, you need to understand more about what you are doing. do some research and identify what you are feeling. if you dont know why you SI, try and figure that out along the way; it will all help make stopping a little easier for you.
when you understand a little more about self injury, then start to work on the more personal aspect, rather than general. why do you SI? when? do you have a particular time when you are more likely to do it? what do you feel before you feel the urge to self injure? once these details are clarified, you can start to work on them,

firstly; try to work out if there is a particular time when you are more likely to SI. then try to change your daily routine a little so that during this time you are kept busy. take time to make sure you are not alone too. keep yourself away from the place that you usually go to SI.

before you feel the urge to self-injure (as soon as you have decided you want to stop) get rid of the means. throw away and weapons or potential weapons, and make a conscious note not to buy anymore. if you use razor blades to harm yourself, and you need them for the purpose of leg shaving; book yourself in for a wax or get yourself a sugaring kit. find alternatives so you dont need your weapons around the house.

try to figure if you have a particular ritual for SI. if you find yourself starting the ritual; try to stop yourself and distract yourself form thoughts of self-injury.

challenge your thoughts and emotions; if you do hurt yourself, rather than feeling guilty tell yourself that you coped as best you could in the situation, and that next time you will be better prepared. dont put yourself down; give yourself a break and some understanding.
you will most likely think negative thoughts about yourself before you SI. dont believe them; you are not what you think; it is a distorted image of yourself. whatever you tell yourself you are a bad person for, dont believe it. put on a video with yourself or just sit quietly and concentrate in the good things about you. "nothing" is not a possible answer. there will always be at least one thing that you can like about yourself or be proud of; like an accmplishment or something you love. when you have thought of it; concentrate on it and how it makes you feel. try to turn around negative thoughts and tell yourself that you are a good person.


here are some suggestions on how to distract yourself if you feel the urge to self-injure;

1. Write a poem.
2. Listen to or play some soothing music.
3. Talk with somebody close to you - Call or visit a friend.
4. Write a story.
5. Snap your wrist with a rubber band.
6. Take a nap.
7. Leave the room or the house.
8. Read a good book.
9. Work in the garden.
10. Watch television.
11. Cook a meal.
12. Call a hotline or support group, or post on a message board.
13. Use washable, non-toxic markers to draw on your skin to make it look cut.
14. Let yourself cry.
15. Dance.
16. Draw. if you have minimal artistic ability (as i have) then try a repetitive pattern. i find drawing lots of little crosses on a piece of paper helps.
17. Excercise or work out in some way.
18. Get a massage.
19. Hug someone.
20. Play a musical instrument.
21. Write down how you are feeling.
22. Scream at the top of your lungs.
23. Go shopping. (window shopping if youre broke)
24. Sing. (even if you can't!)
25. Take a bath.
26. Throw things (such as icecubes or your pillow, NOT something like glass).
27. Vent about what you are upset about.
28. Take a walk.
29. Watch a movie.
30. Do yoga.
31. Hit a punching bag.
32. Clean your room or the house.
33. Cuddle with someone.
34. Go for a drive.
35. Play a game or colour in a coloring book.
36. Shred a phonebook or a newspaper into a thousand pieces.
37. Write a song.
38. Make or work on a website.
39. Take a long shower.
40. Meditate.
41. Get a Neopet!! just click on the link button below and sign up...you have a friend for life and a brilliant distraction from cutting!