Keeping Safe + Alternatives to cutting

Keep Safe

--> Keep a List of mates you can call, even just to touch base.

--> Keep dangerous things out of your room ie/ Painkillers, Razorblades...

--> Make a tape of music for those bad times... ((Some people benefit from listening to happy music, some from depressing music... ))

--> Focus on what is real, and around you, right then.
# Get down to the basics. ie/ The couch is green. The light is on. I can feel my shoe pinching my foot. ((This helps to 'ground' you.))

--> Call a crisis line.

--> Create an internal safe place where you can go. It can be real or imaginary... add as many details as you can.

--> Get a warm drink, a dvuvet, and a stuffed toy, and curl up somewhere.

--> Try not to be too hard on yourself for feeling this way

--> Remember that there is a scared little child inside you who is likely confused.

Alternatives to Cutting.

--> Use a toothbrush instead of a razor.

--> Use a red marker, and draw lines where you wish you could be cutting... ((Careful, this could be a triggering exercise))

--> Hold Ice. ((Painful but harmless))

--> 'First Aid Box' - Fill a box with meaningful, positive things ((Such as a letter from a loved one)) and bring it out when you are upset.

--> Try putting an elastic band around your wrist and ping it ((This is good if you cut for pain))

--> Sounds weird, but dying your hair red can be satisfying.

--> Sexual release ((By yourself if you don't want to complicate matters))

--> Scribble on a piece of paper or the pavement with a red crayon or piece of chalk... This helps to expend both energy and tension.

--> Rip up paper, or fabric.

--> Pain your nails dark red, or even black.

--> Write all your thoughts/feelings on a piece of paper, and rip it up/burn it.

--> Bite your nails. O_o

--> Make lots of noise ((Choose a suitable place for this))

--> Set yourself targets for not cutting. ie/ Two days, a week etc...
# Reward yourself with a little treat every time you reach that target.

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