How I did it: Seeing a psychiatrist didn't really help, since I went to the free one provided to the university students at my school and she was crap.  So, I didn't use a therapist and was never on any drugs for depression.

In order for me to stop self-harming, I had to completely change the way I perceive the world around me.  It's been very, very difficult and I still struggle with maintaining my new focus, but I made it a point to focus on happy things.  When I was feeling down, I forced myself to call a friend just to chat, or see if a local friend was up to watching movies or playing video games.  If no one was available, I would have to force myself away from the temptations of my knives and whatever other sharp objects in my apartment by going for a walk or a drive.

I also worked to pinpoint the types of things that triggered my depression and self-harming instinct, for lack of a better word.  I had to end a few friendships and get those people bringing me down out of my life, but I don't regret it at all.  Because I stopped associating with the people that triggered my desire to self-harm, I was no longer exposed to those triggers, leading a decrease in my desire to self-harm.

I still struggle with urges when I get really upset, or when an old trigger is touched, but as long as I distract myself somehow (usually with the help of friends) or focus on something recently that's made me happy, I can keep those knives away from my skin.

Lessons & tips: You need to be persistent in what you do to redirect your desires to self-harm.  Even if you feel like that's the only way to make yourself feel better, you need to be strong and firm with yourself.

You don't necessarily need to tell your friends that you are self-harming in order for them to help you.  All they really need to do is provide a distraction, a redirection for the emotions that are making you want to self-harm.  For example, instead of self-harming, take those strong emotions, grab a friend, and play some violent video games or go clubbing/dancing and wear yourself out like that.

Stopping yourself from self-harming will never, ever be easy.  But you can do it if you truly want it.  Don't be angry if you back-peddle on it.  Just resolve to not make that mistake again.

Resources: Willpower, friends, determination

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Mar 10, 02:31PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers