[justlisten]

So my therapist gave me this worksheet to fill out at home and I thought maybe someone else would benefit from completing this as well...maybe a mod could make this thread sticky or something...

If you'd like to post your answers as a reply copy and paste these questions:

1. List the ways that you self-harm <no tip sharing, be generic>
Fainting (yeah it's a new one)
2. How do these behaviors help you survive?
control, hallucinations, risky
3. How does this behavior give me a sense of control?
i can manipulate my body and make it do something unnatural
4. How/Why does this behavior release endorphins (the happy factor) and make me feel better?
hallucinations, passing out seems to take the pain away with it, endorphins
5. How does this behavior give me revenge?
i can take away the pain that others put upon me
6. How does this behavior punish me? makes me forget for a few seconds, can be painful
7. When and why did you start this behavior?
heard about it, tried it, realized that I felt a lot better afterward, and continued.
8. How/Why does this behavior bring me affection, care, or emotional closure? (How does it comfort you? if this applies)
Endorphins, letting my body calm down from the shock of passing out soothes me.

I want to show that I own my body
I want to express my rage at myself
I want to distract myself from other pain
I want to numb my feelings
I want to be rescued
I want to cleanse myself
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 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. write a story
2. play with my dog
3. take a walk

It's my body, I can do what I want with it
It's no big deal and shouldn't upset anyone
No one knows about it anyways