How to Stop Cutting Yourself

Cutting is when someone intentionally causes injury to one's own body by making scratches or cutting with a sharp object. People who do this typically apply enough force to break the skin and make it bleed. Most people who cut say this can actually help them cope with stressful situations. But the dangers are obvious, and you need to take action now to stop cutting yourself. Read on to learn how to stop cutting yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Talk about your problem. Anyone with a secret like cutting will say that admission is the hardest part of the recovery process. But you can't begin to change your life until you open up about your actions. Once you decide to talk about it, you'll feel a great sense of relief, and you'll have someone who can help walk you through your problems. Tell someone you trust and who can help you, like a parent, teacher, counselor or doctor. If you're afraid you can't get the words out, right a note. That works just as well.
2. Find out why you cut yourself. Typically, people begin cutting because they're reacting to something emotionally hard to deal with. If you figure out what emotional triggers tempt you to cut yourself, you can take action and stop it.
3. Reach out for help. When you feel tempted to cut yourself, find someone you trust and ask for help. If you're not satisfied with the level of help you receive, ask someone else.
4. Distract yourself. This is a popular tool implemented by a wide number of people looking to make a change. For instance, smokers might take up gum chewing to help them kick the habit. And people who overeat will keep busy with other projects to keep them from overeating. The same theory applies to you. Distracting yourself with hobbies and projects you enjoy can become a valuable coping skill.
5. Exercise. This is a great way to take out aggression, without harming yourself. If you have anger that needs to be let out, consider a kick-boxing class, or any other sport that will let you be aggressive. This not only gives you a positive coping mechanism, exercise is also is good for your physical health.
6. Seek professional help. A licensed professional can help you work through your current and past feelings to help you cope with stresses that life will continue to throw at you.