1. List the ways that you self-harm <no tip sharing, be generic>
Cutting
Burning
Hair pulling
ODing
2. How do these behaviors help you survive?
They distract me from bad memories and more serious urges
They bring me back to reality if I'm feeling disconnected
3. How does this behavior give me a sense of control?
The past hurts were out of my control but self harm is completely in my control, the severity, method etc. It allows me to regain my composure if my emotions start controlling me.
4. How/Why does this behavior release endorphins (the happy factor) and make me feel better?
I think it's just a chemical thing, I guess I'm just wired wrong. I guess it
is a physical representation of my emotional pain.
5. How does this behavior give me revenge?
I don't think it does, the person that suffers the most is still me.
6. How does this behavior punish me?
By giving me a permanent reminder of my faults and regrets.
7. When and why did you start this behavior?
I started when I was 13 and things were really tough at home. My mum was in hospital for depression and her ED, my dad was active in his alcoholism and my sister was raped.
8. How/Why does this behavior bring me affection, care, or emotional closure? (How does it comfort you? if this applies)
The action feels like a huge emotional relief, the blood gives me a rush and the pain brings me back to reality.
Copy and paste this section, delete the lines that do not apply to you, leaving only the ones that do:
I want to distract myself from other pain
I am asking for help
I believe my body is a battleground
I want to somehow atone for my sins
I am trying to express my pain
I am trying to bring my emotions under control
I am trying to prove that I am alive
I am trying to manage my flashbacks/memories
I am trying to release emotional tension
Now, think about your reason(s) for harming, list 3-5 things you could do instead.
1. Listen to music
2. Journal
3. Play video games
Which of the following are true for you? (Again delete the ones that do not apply for you)
It's my body, I can do what I want with it
If I don't hurt myself this way, my pain will be worse
It just shows how bad a person I am
The scars are there for a reason, they remind me of my shame/need for punishment
I am currently at stage 6
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