HEALTHY SELF-HARM ALTERNATIVES

It’s been a rough day and you are feeling overwhelmed because things keep falling apart. You are feeling down and afraid that things will never get better. In this moment you need some sort of release to cope with the emotional pain you are feeling. Like many of us, self-harm is likely crossing your mind because it seems like the only way to escape what you are experiencing. However, in these moments I urge you to think about healthy and safe self-harm alternatives that can help you get through these difficult times.

Here is a list of healthy alternatives:

·      Bite a lemon

·      Snap a rubber band where you would like to self-harm

·      Bite ice

·      Put your hand in a bag of ice

·      Hold ice in your hands 

·      Take a cold bath or shower 

·      Put on a temporary tattoo with a positive saying where you would like to self-harm

- For positive word tattoos check out https://consciousink.com

·      Draw on yourself with a red pen or paint where you would like to self-harm

·      Write out 10 good things about yourself 

·      Rip up paper, magazines, or a book

·      Punch a pillow or your bed repeatedly 

·      Draw 

·      Call a friend  

·      Call a loved one 

·      Call 1-800-273-8255 prevention lifeline 

***Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know is currently struggling with self-harm, I recommend seeking out the care of a mental health professional.