Self-help for self-harm

Some ideas include:

1. Making the environment safe - be with other people, remove potential objects and avoid place where you're more likely to self-harm

2. Delaying self-harm - make the decision to pause and talk to someone first

3. Making a self-harm distraction box

4. Writing in a journal

5. Exercising

6. Playing video games

7. Relaxation techniques

8. Crying

9. Talking to someone

Sometimes it might feel that the urge to self-harm is too strong for distraction to work. These suggestions might help you to release tension or to better tolerate your distress but are not a solution to the underlying problem.

For full recovery, you will need to work with a mental health professional to address the thoughts and feelings that are causing your self-harming behaviour.