6 Valuable Tips For Preventing Self-Harm

DISCLOSURE: I am not a mental health professional. If you need help finding a mental health care provider, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit Online Therapy to call, message, or video chat a certified therapist online. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also receive compensation from Online Therapy or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page. You can read my full disclaimer.

Although I’ve lived with mental illness my whole life, I am not a medical professional. If you need help finding a mental health care provider, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit BetterHelp to talk to a certified therapist online at an affordable price. This post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclaimer.

WARNING: This post is graphic in nature and can be very triggering to those who self-harm.

I am no expert at managing self-harm. In fact, up until recently I was battling a severe self-harm addiction.

This post contains 6 tips I’ve used to help prevent self-harm. Unfortunately, maybe not all of these are going to work you. And what might work one time may not work the next.

But please, please do not give up. Always try your best to keep fighting. Relapses happen. We’re all human. That’s why it’s important to remember that every day is a new beginning. Always remember, the sun must set to rise.

Look below and see how I’ve been able to beat my self-harm addiction:

6 Tips for Preventing Self-Harm

1. WAIT 10 MINUTES

Whenever you get the urge to self-harm, tell yourself, “If I still want to hurt myself in ten minutes, then it’s okay for me to do so.”

In the meantime, distract your mind and your body. You can download a free printable of 100 Self-Harm Alternatives to find some distractions.

I guarantee that after ten minutes, the urge will have gone down almost completely.

2. PUT ON PANDORA

Music is going to be your best friend in times you feel like you can’t control.

I recommend picking music that focuses on soothing melodies and peaceful lyrics. You can even look up the lyrics to the song and sing along to it.

I’ve talked a lot about music on my blog. Check the links below for music I recommend.

3. SCREAM IT OUT

The overwhelming pressure of keeping in our emotions is exactly why we feel like we need to hurt ourselves in the first place. Energy needs to be released in some way

You can write down what you’re feeling in your journal. Write a poem, or write a song. You could even draw out what you’re feeling.

If none of that is working, why not yell, scream, punch a pillow, and swear your little heart out?

4. WRITE POSITIVE WORDS

You might not feel it right now, but you have amazing qualities. Qualities that make you unique and special.

Write out these positive traits down in your notebook. You can even write them on Post-Its and stick them all around your room and on your mirrors.

Focus on traits about yourself that you like about yourself. I know it might be hard, but dig deep.

35 Daily Self-Love Affirmations to Release Your Inner Badass

5. CLOSE YOUR EYES

If nothing else seems to work, lay down and close your eyes. Whether it be you going to bed or taking a nap, your mind will eventually be taken to a place where you’re not obsessing over trying to get the pain out.

There have been plenty of times when I’ve gone to sleep when the energy was just too much. I woke up the next morning grateful that I didn’t injure myself the night before.

6. TALK TO SOMEONE

Talking about your urges and what you’re going through is a great way to relieve your emotions.

Try confiding in a close friend or family member. If you feel like you have nobody to talk to, I’ve included some amazing resources down below.

Resources:

Online Resources:

Self-Injury Outreach and Support
To Write Love On Her Arms
S.A.F.E. Alternatives
Self-Injury and Recovery Research and Resources
Befrienders Worldwide
IMAlive: Online chats with trained crisis volunteers

Phone Resources:

Crisis Text Line: HOME to 741-741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255

Online Therapy:

Better Help: Affordable online counseling
MyTherapist: Therapy through video chat, phone calls, or online messaging
Pride Counseling: Specifically geared from members of LGBTQ+
Faithful Counseling: Specifically geared for Christians

Do you have any tips that help you from self-harming?

More Recommendations:

1. ONLINE THERAPY

Better Help is the largest online counseling platform worldwide. It makes professional counseling available anytime, anywhere, through a computer, tablet or smartphone.

2. RESILIENT BIG EBOOK BUNDLE

In the Resilient Big Bundle, you’ll get 6 amazing personal development products, such as 30 Day Negativity Detox and Figure Out Your Life. All of these together would cost over $120 if you purchased them separately, but you’ll get a big discount if you get the whole bundle.

3. BLESSING MANIFESTING DIGITAL PRODUCTS

Blessing Manifesting sells a bunch of digital products focusing on self-love and personal development, like the Self-Love Workbook Planner and Anxiety Workbook. You can either buy them in a digital version or physical copy.

4. DREAMS INTO REALITY

Dreams into Reality eBook covers different topics of personal development to improve your mindset and your life. It will help you overcome anxiety, limiting beliefs, fears, and become a much happier and more positive person.

6 Valuable Tips For Preventing Self-Harm