Safe Distractions

It can be very difficult to deal with all of the overwhelming emotions that come up after suffering abuse or feeling depressed and sometimes we turn to self-destructive bahviours such as cutting, burning ourselves, pulling our hair out or even attempting suicide. 

If we put in place a list of distractions to help us cope with these overwhelming feelings, it can help to minimise the bad effect upon ourselves and lessen the likelihood of self-harm or self-injury. 

Below is a list of some distractions that you could use during these times. 

If these do not work, and you still feel like harming yourself, do not hesitate to call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. 

(You don't have to be suicidal to call them. They will always listen. They won't judge you.)

~ Hold an ice cube in one hand and squeeze it or rub it on your wrist, where you would cut. The sensation from the cold ice is numbing and very distracting. 

~Write on yourself with a red felt-tip pen instead of cutting.

~Snap a rubber band on your wrist each time you feel like hurting yourself.

~Dig your fingernails into your arm without breaking the skin. 

~Draw faces of the people you hate on balloons and pop them. 

~Write letters to the people you hate or to people who have hurt you. Tell them what they did to you and tell them why you hate them. Then throw them away or save them to read later. 

~Throw foam balls, rolled-up socks or pillows against the wall. 

~Scream into a pillow as loudly as you can.

~Cry. It will release stress hormones and will make you feel better. 

~Carry a stress ball with you to squeeze or some play-doh/plasticine/blu-tac that can be moulded and squeezed.