Ways of stopping?

[mmmMinty...]

Basically, I really need to put in the effort to just stop self-harming.
It doesn't help me really, save for maybe a couple of seconds max, and then I feel guilty. So I want to stop, and sooner rather than later.

I've had a couple of ideas about how I could do it:

• Just going 'cold turkey'
• Losing count of the days (I have OCD, which means I get stressed out by particular numbers and its likely that counting the days won't help in the long run)
• OR setting myself targets such as May 22nd or something...so that I'm not exactly counting but I know that I've achieved something
• Finding other coping methods (just not entirely sure what yet)

Thats all I've come up with so far. Does anybody else have other ideas?
I'm really serious about it this time, I'm fed up with SI and I really think I'm ready to stop.

:)

[my inner battle]

well....you could try any of the following

• using ice instead of blades, hold the ice on the place you cant to cut and it really hurts after a bit and it leaves no marks
• using red market pens to draw on the cuts
• putting bandages/plasters/band aids on were you want to cut
• if you SH on your arms put elastic band on your arms and 'ping' them when you want to cut...really hurts and you can do it over and over agen
• writing poetry/storys/journal
• or just talking to people about your problems

if any of these help you i would love to know
or if you just want to chat

good luck babe the hardest thing is deciding you dont want to SH anymore
xxxxxx<3

[Queer Fringe]

Well done on deciding this hun and sorry to hear about the OCD.
-You could try out some stuff on the fun+distractions page?
-You could call up a friend and just chat to them they don't need to know why
-Taking a walk
and the rest have been said...sorry...

[smileemptysoul]

I think setting small goals is a great idea. Personally I think it's easier not to keep track of the days. Just for reference maybe write the date down somewhere and don't look back at it. Really I find just not keeping track at all and not making it an 'offical' attempt at quitting works best. It makes for less pressure and less structure to get caught up on.

Gaining insight on why you do it will help you overcome it- a true significant part of recovery in my opinion.

Know your triggers: Avoid what you can to help avoid intense urges
Have a support system: Have someone you can go to when you are having a difficult time with the urges, whether it be here or a friend, therapist, etc.
Alternative coping mechanisms: Trial and error process of what is going to help you. It might be playing a sport, instrument, writing, watching a movie, talking to a friend, etc.
Alternative thinking: When triggered, try to determine what is making you want to do it and rationalize with yourself for a healthy alternative.
Controlling your emotions: Avoid internalizing. If you are angry, maybe punch a pillow or scream. Don't let it build up- know that emotions pass and change.

This is a process of not only physically stopping the behavior but adapting new skills and ways of thinking that won't lead to self defeating behavior.

Take care

[mmmMinty...]

Thanks, thats really helpful. I think having a specific date to work towards is more goal orientated than counting the days since I last SI'd so I'll probably do that.
And I'll have a go at finding alternative coping methods, playing piano helps but i'll probably need to find some other ones too.
Looks like I'm all set :)
Wish me luck!
xxx

[XxXflowerfairyXxX]

Everyone's given really constructive advice so I'll just say do what you enjoy to keep your mind off it and good luck! x