Self-harm can become a habit. With the right support, many people who self-harm can learn how to stop.
The sense of relief from self-harm can be so reinforcing that it may be difficult to stop doing it, compelling people to self-harm again the next time they feel overwhelmed. If self-harm becomes a habit, people may find it hard to resist the urge, but there are many ways to learn to stop. Not every strategy works for everyone, but most people will find a way that works for them.
This article explores strategies to stop self-harm. It also looks at ways to manage the causes of self-harm and what support is available. Here are nine ways to help anyone who self-harms to resist the urge to self-harm:
A person can use distraction tactics, such as going for a walk or listening to music, to help resist the urge to self-harm.
Research suggests that young people who self-harm often do so impulsively. For this reason, self-harm prevention methods focus on finding alternative ways to manage distress.
Distraction tactics may help resist the urge to cut. A person can try to distract themselves by:
-calling a friend
-counting to 1,000
-watching a film or favourite TV series
-making a cup of tea or a snack
-doing some housework
-going for a walk
Distracting themselves may help a person delay self-harm until the urge has passed.
Self-harm may be a response to deep emotional pain and sadness. A way to manage these emotions without self-harm is through self-care.
Self-care is any activity that promotes well-being by making a person feel soothed or comforted.
For full article – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324515.php?get=params
If you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health, please seek advice from a medical professional or the Samaritans helpline at 116 123.
