RYL Forums - View Single Post - Self-Harm Worksheet

Annaberry · 20-03-2010, 11:16 PM

1. List the ways that you self-harm <no tip sharing, be generic>

Cutting
Scratching
More recently burning

2. How do these behaviors help you survive?

At this point I do it because I love the pain
Feeling of release
Calms me

3. How does this behavior give me a sense of control?

I am the one making the pain, not the external factor thats made me upset

4. How/Why does this behavior release endorphins (the happy factor) and make me feel better?

Stress and pain are the two most common factors leading to the release of endorphins. Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain and act similarly to drugs such as morphine and codeine.

5. How does this behavior give me revenge?

It doesn't

6. How does this behavior punish me?

If I've done something stupid or hurt someone then I also deserve to hurt.

7. When and why did you start this behavior?

When I was 11, because I was getting bullied

8. How/Why does this behavior bring me affection, care, or emotional closure? (How does it comfort you? if this applies)

The release physical pain lets me feel like the emotional pain is being released and escaping my body.

I want to express my rage at myself
I want to distract myself from other pain
I have a message to give that I cant' say directly
I want to be rescued
I want to cleanse myself
I am trying to express my pain
I am trying to bring my emotions under control
I am trying to get "high"
I am trying to release emotional tension
I need a release valve
I need to get into a "neutral zone"

Now, think about your reason(s) for harming, list 3-5 things you could do instead.
1. Read/add to my scrap book
2. Rip stuff
3. Hit pillows

If I don't hurt myself this way, my pain will be worse
No one knows about it anyways
I need to be punished for what I did
The scars are there for a reason, they remind me of my shame/need for punishment

FINALLY! I'm adding one more question to this list, what stage are you on in the 6 stages of recovery? (see hidden information for the stages and details of each)

In between stages 3 & 4

20-03-2010, 11:16 PM	#34
Annaberry Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: England	1. List the ways that you self-harm <no tip sharing, be generic> Cutting Scratching More recently burning 2. How do these behaviors help you survive? At this point I do it because I love the pain Feeling of release Calms me 3. How does this behavior give me a sense of control? I am the one making the pain, not the external factor thats made me upset 4. How/Why does this behavior release endorphins (the happy factor) and make me feel better? Stress and pain are the two most common factors leading to the release of endorphins. Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain and act similarly to drugs such as morphine and codeine. 5. How does this behavior give me revenge? It doesn't 6. How does this behavior punish me? If I've done something stupid or hurt someone then I also deserve to hurt. 7. When and why did you start this behavior? When I was 11, because I was getting bullied 8. How/Why does this behavior bring me affection, care, or emotional closure? (How does it comfort you? if this applies) The release physical pain lets me feel like the emotional pain is being released and escaping my body. I want to express my rage at myself I want to distract myself from other pain I have a message to give that I cant' say directly I want to be rescued I want to cleanse myself I am trying to express my pain I am trying to bring my emotions under control I am trying to get "high" I am trying to release emotional tension I need a release valve I need to get into a "neutral zone" Now, think about your reason(s) for harming, list 3-5 things you could do instead. 1. Read/add to my scrap book 2. Rip stuff 3. Hit pillows If I don't hurt myself this way, my pain will be worse No one knows about it anyways I need to be punished for what I did The scars are there for a reason, they remind me of my shame/need for punishment FINALLY! I'm adding one more question to this list, what stage are you on in the 6 stages of recovery? (see hidden information for the stages and details of each) In between stages 3 & 4
Annaberry Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: England	Life is about love, last minutes and lost evenings, About fire in our bellies and furtive little feelings, And the aching amplitudes that set our needles all a-flickering, And help us with remembering that the only thing that's left to do is live.