Stopping cutting is my trigger

[Loopsie]

I decided yesterday that i had had enough and was going to last as long as i could without cutting, an hour later i cut.
Its always the same. Whenever i try or even think about stopping i just want to do it a million times more!
How can i stop when stopping makes me do it.
This is ridiculous.
Any ideas?
x

[Tig]

I think you need to try and focus on something else. When you decide to stop cutting it becomes the focus of your mind which of course triggers you further. Maybe when you're trying to stop, try not to think about it. Keep yourself busy. Use distractions. If you feel triggered and like you want to cut, remind yourself why you want to quit. Perhaps a pro's and con's list would be useful? xx

[underthesea]

Instead of deciding not to cut, try and decide to be happier.

That way, instead of making goals not to cut, you can make goals to do something you enjoy, to think about a situation more positively, to treat yourself to something special etc.

This way, there's no real focus on cutting and you don't have to deal with the daunting idea of quitting.

Often, if you're trying to be a more positive, happier person, the self harming will stop as a result. I know it's easier said than done, but if deciding to stop cutting is a trigger for you, don't decide not to cut!

I hope this made sense, hang in there lovely and don't give up on getting better!

[Loopsie]

Thanks to both of you.
Will definately try the pro's and con's list, thats a great idea.
I'll work on finding something positive, trouble is that i cut even when im not feeling down.
Again, thanks so much. Its great to get different advice and ideas on things.
x

[Tig]

:)

I think with the cutting when you aren't even feeling down, that comes from self harm turning in to an addiction. You will get through it, it's just really difficult.

xxx

[Rynn]

For me, the idea of Never Ever Cutting Again makes me really anxious and triggers me. So, I tell myself that I'm not going to cut right now. That, maybe, later, if I really really need to I'll cut. But not this summer. The way that I've not eternally forbidden it has helped me a lot. I know you can find away around your brain and stop cutting. It might just take some time, don't give up! *hugs* I know how hard and upsetting it is to stop. Stay safe.

[shatteredbits]

The same thing happens to me.
Today I'm 16 days free though and I think what's really helped me going is the fact that I haven't said I won't ever cut again.
Like someone else mentioned sometimes saying that makes a person anxious, it certainly makes me!
So instead I've set goals .. like not to cut for 30 days, or to make it to a special party without having cut, and once I accomplish that then I can move on and try for longer --- if I feel ready. :)
Good luck and stay strong *hugs*