You made the right choice by reaching out today. We are concerned about you. As you know, cutting can be a dangerous coping skill. We would like to help you find better ways to deal with the how you are feeling, rather than cutting. Here are some tips for helping stop cutting. The number one thing for you to do first is to get rid of the items that you use to cut. If you don't have them in your possession, you will be less tempted to think of the item you use to cut. Next, you want to find another way to cope with your feelings.

The best things to do will be something that engages your mind and keeps your hands busy. Some ideas for this would be journaling, drawing, doing a craft, playing a music instrument, calling a friend, or even reading.

It sounds like you cut as a way to let out your bottled up feelings. There are more effective ways to deal with your feelings instead of self medicating with self harm. Feelings don't just go away, you may be able to ignore them or push them down but sooner or later they will surface. You're the one who gets to decide how you will deal with them, the goal is to use more positive coping skills. One thing we suggest is that when you have an urge to cut just pause for a moment.

By pausing you are taking some personal accountability, then take that moment to engage in a positive activity. Once again, positive coping skills might include writing in a journal, drawing, calling a friend, or even reading. That way you have all the control.

Hopefully this advice has been helpful to you. Please keep in touch with us. You can email us or call us at 1-800-448-3000 if you need additional support. We are always here for you. Please stay strong. You can get through this. Please continue to reach out to us and let other people in your life know what you are going through.

Take care,

Chris, Crisis Counselor