Guide

1. Step 1

   The very first step is telling yourself that you have a problem and admitting it. If you find yourself going for the knife, or hurting yourself another way whenever something bad happens, or if you do it just for the feeling - you have a problem. No matter if you just cut a few times, you still have a problem. Once again, please know that you're not alone, and there is help out there for you.

2. Step 2

   After you've realized that you have a problem, get out some paper. You need to talk with someone that you feel comfortable with and trust. On that paper write down the people you trust. Some don't always feel good talking with family members first, so write down some close friends that wouldn't tell anyone. Give them a call, and tell them what's going on in your life. If you don't trust anyone, talk with the person that's in charge over you, rather that be your parents, aunt, foster family, etc. You don't need to tell them what's going on, but ask them if you can talk with a professional about something. If they start asking "what", tell them that after you get professional help you might feel better telling them. You can always trust a professional counselor to guide you the right way. There are also free clinics that do help if you don't have any money.

3. Step 3

   When you're talking with someone you might start craving to self harm yourself again. Sometimes the person you talk with might not be around. If this is happening, write your feelings down in a journal. Make sure to put the date, and time. Just write until the feelings stop. Later you can take the journal and show it to the person that's helping you if you feel comfortable with that. When you're finished writing and you still crave it find something to do. Watch TV, dance, listen to upbeat music, read a book, go out with some friends, find a new hobby, try collecting rocks, write poetry, role play online, write a thank you card to the person helping you, google and learn some new things on wikki, say positive statements like " I no longer self harm and this is now behind me. " or " I am beautiful, and loved. " Say those over and over. When you're craving to cut do not get some food. This will create just another bad habit. Find something else to do.

4. Step 4

   Do not talk, and say bad things about yourself. Don't say "I will never get over this" and don't call yourself ugly. Every person is beautiful in there own way. You might laugh at that and think "Yeah right" but it's true. Each of us have gifts that go far beyond the eye can see. You are here for a reason. Just because you've not found your calling for life, or that special gift doesn't mean that you're not unique, or beautiful.

5. Step 5

   Research online, and try finding some support groups. There are a lot of support groups that help people when they are struggling. If you don't like groups, why not try forums or find a local support group in your area. Just type in your local area, and type in self harm support groups.

6. Step 6

   Sometimes medications can make you even more depressed. If you've just been put on a new medication and find yourself wanting to self harm more please talk with your doctor. Chances are the new medication might not be working. If you're not on any medicines, consider talking with your doctor and seeing what's out there for help. If you don't want any medicines there are a lot of herbs, and natural remedies to overcome depression that you could also talk with your doctor about, or research online.

7. Step 7

   If you are a person that likes sports, and Exercise when you start wanting to self harm, go outside for a walk, or exercise inside. If you need to lose weight this will be great for you to do as well. If you like sports, go outside and throw the ball around, or do kick ball. See if you can find someone that would like to join you if not try doing some basketball.

8. Step 8

   Meditation is another wonderful thing. If you're having a hard time saying good things about yourself, find a quiet area of the house, turn on classical music, or change the lights, make them bright. Clear your mind, and focus on positive, and beautiful things such as nature, and your favorite animals. See the beauty of nature, and run free in the woods. Scream in your mind. Release your feelings. Cry during meditation if needed. Don't hold feelings back. If it's hard finding quiet time, just ask people not to disturb you for at least five or ten minutes.

9. Step 9

   Cleaning helps a lot. Change the sheets on your bed, put some bright pictures up, dust, and tidy up. This will help you keep busy, and you'll be so focused on cleaning that you'll forget about wanting to self harm yourself. Plus it will make people around you very happy and who knows you might earn some money!

10. Step 10

    If you're a teenager, think about getting a job. A lot of places hire teens now for help, and plus you can even babysit. If you're a guy and don't want to babysit think about calling a local store and see if they have a teen program, and if you can help bag things.

11. Step 11

    The very last thing I am going to say is that you should never hold your feelings in. If you don't like crying - get over it and just release your feelings! Put away your pride for just a few seconds. Cut up a onion that will help make you cry if you have problems with that. Crying is a great way to let go of your feelings. Don't feel ashamed if you cry to the person you talk with. That's what they are there for! Once you cry, and let go - stop thinking about it and move on! Letting go of past failures, is one way to overcome depression. It's in the past, and it's time to let it stop bothering you in the "now". You're giving a past situation victory, and 9 times out of 10 the other people have already moved on from it as well. When you don't let go of things think of all the people you're hurting, and when you self harm yourself not only do you hurt yourself, but others around you. You are loved and cared about so please use these steps to stop hurting yourself, and become a victor!

 

Causes: Self harm is often a coping strategy for dealing with emotions like rage, sadness, grief, fear and guilt. People may feel they are getting rid of painful emotions. It may also be an attempt at self-punishment, or to gain control over situations and overwhelming feelings. Childhood trauma, abuse and bullying can cause people to self-harm, particularly if they repressed their emotions at the time.  

Effects: Cutting yourself with a knife or razor, scratching, bruising, neglecting your physical and psychological health or abusing drugs or alcohol. 

Solutions: Keep a diary of your feelings and how you cope with them. Identify what triggers you to self-harm.

Talk to your doctor, close friends, family or a counsellor.

Build your self-esteem and learn to respect your body.

Reduce stress in your life.

Exercise regularly as a way of coping with feelings.

Keep the phone numbers of friends and help-lines close by in case of a crisis.

Learn anger management techniques. Don’t turn anger on yourself.

Take up creative activities like drawing, painting or writing.