| What to do instead of SI |
| Remember, these are only things to keep from hurting yourself when your tempted to. These are not permanent solutions and some of them can still be considered hurting yourself. Most of these are things I used myself, but they may not work for everyone. They're worth a try though. |
| *Use the 15 minute rule. Tell yourself if you still feel like cutting in 15 minutes you can, but you have to make it there first. If you make it try to go for another 15 minutes and so on. *Take a warm shower or bath and use scented soap. *Turn on some of your favorite music that is not triggering. *Close your eyes and count slowly to 10 while breathing deeply. *Cry *Look at pictures of people you love *Read your favorite book *Write a poem, draw a picture or sing. It doesn't have to be perfect. Just something that expresses yourself. *Suck on an ice cube or place it against your skin. *'Draw' a cut on yourself with a red marker *Dance. Crank up your music and dance till you're out of breath. *Go jogging, play your favorite sport, jump rope or any sort of physical excercise as long as you don't push yourself to where it hurts. *If you're alone scream. *Call someone or write an email. It doesn't even have to say anything about SI. *Do something to help someone else. *Watch a funny movie. |
| Here are some things to avoid. |
| *Songs with hateful or degrading lyrics. I strongly reccomend avoiding bands like Linkin Park and Evanescence. I love their music and I listen to it a lot, but if you're trying not to cut their music is probably not a good idea. *Any websites that may trigger *Looking at photos of others self-injury *Reading or watching something violent |