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This thread is a directory of several other threads with great suggestions on things you can do RIGHT NOW instead of self-harming, and great resources you can use in your recovery. http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/200-alternatives-to-si-and-other-coping-skills/ This thread is a big jumble of posts from other members about alternatives they have found helpful. http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/16001-what-to-do-right-now-instead-of-si/ Alternatives to self-harm sorted into groups based on different emotions that might be making you want to SI.

May = Mental Health Month, hurrah! But, lime-green ribbons/bracelets to spread mental health awareness?? Yuck, I don't want to wear a ribbon and "eiw" to lime green. My vote would be a ribbon or button with yellow and black stripes (bananas!! and dark gloom. Plus, bees and tigers!). It makes sense to wear something so that we're still visible when we look otherwise "normal," but what would it be? Ideas? Votes?

The other topic was posted in 2011 and there's only a couple comments. Thought I'd start something new. Hope that's alright. So, a couple things I've learned. I used to harm. A lot. It's been maybe just about two years now. Some things that helped was that first... I'm into a bit of alternative lifestyle stuff. Flogging, bondage BDSM sort of stuff. And it kind of opened up a new way of looking at self harm or other sort of stuff. In a kind of... An active instead of reactive experience. I tried getting my partner to hurt me when I wanted to self harm. And it wasn't so great. But holding an ice cube was helpful. It felt sharp which feels similar to burning for me. Eating spicy... and SPICY food. Things like a ghost pepper or super tasty spicy sauces are super helpful too. The ice cub I can just drop. The spicy food stays with me for a while. And can really help me hold onto an experience. It also helps me avoid restriction. I don't like eating. And when I do I typically purge. Purging spicy food is unpleasant. Purging itself isn't fun. But... purge something that has ghost pepper... and.. it brings a new definition to pain. It's also quite un-sustainable. Now... I'd urge people to be mindful stepping into this stuff. Intentional and don't dive into it. Anything above can go dark and maladaptive. But.. I think that this stuff is a step towards risk reduction.