I wanted to self harm but instead I...

[Wooster]

We had a huge thread of a few years of "today I wanted to self harm but instead I did this" so people could get a list of safe ideas to help manage self harm urges.

for example...

today I wanted to self harm but instead I watched videos of baby sloths and golden retriever puppies and chatted with a friend on line

[chem]

Adding back some of my old ideas:

today I wanted to self harm... instead I,

went for a walk. took a painting class. called my mom and talked about what made me feel upset. ate something healthy. went for a bike ride/hike/drive. jumped in the ocean. Used "delay, distract, decide" to see if I still wanted to SI a time period later. thought up drills for my martial arts classes. got my "rush" breaking boards in a seminar class instead. learned how to use a new computer skill. made a new recipe. took a nap instead.

[wadjet]

Today I wanted to self harm but instead I practiced meditation and then read Pride and Prejudice.

[tryp]

Wednesday I wanted to self-harm and instead I turned on the shower and sat down on the shower floor for an hour under the hot water.

[Marie32]

I like the idea for this thread! Very positive.

I'm new here & I don't know if my self-harming behavior is more of an OCD symptom or what, but unfortunately I engaged in the behavior tonight  :/

Some things that have worked in the past are talking about it with people I trust & snapping a hair tie or bracelet on my wrist. I may also try a meditation meeting in the 12-step program I'm in.

[heilmania]

Today, I wanted to self-harm, but instead I drank some coffee, got some work done, and put really nice-smelling lotion on my hands.

Thanks for starting this thread, @Wooster!

Edited February 19, 2016 by heilmania

[dana0102]

hello .  i listen to music and rock in my rocker.  at the day program i have music therapy and a great time banging on the drum.  t tended to isolate but now i do a walk or email my therapist between visits.  tou are not alone .  dana

[Wooster]

You're welcome, @heilmania, but it's not my idea.

The original thread started back in 2012ish by Titania, It had hundreds and hundreds of responses. Sadly, we lost it due to a privacy issue.

[Geek]

I wanted to self harm today. Instead, I took myself out to breakfast and then came home and spent time outside in the sunshine with my dog.

[Wooster]

Way to go!

[The Sea Is A Good Place]

Today I wanted to self harm, but instead I ate rainbow Twizzlers and watched Buzzfeed and Skyped my girlfriend.

[Unstrung Harp]

Today I wanted to self harm, but instead I read this thread and tried to come up with better ideas.

[Wooster]

Made a cup of tea and buried myself in work

[Rabbit37]

Slept. Just slept. Woke up in a better place.

[demonicix]

Today, instead of self harming i listened to music whilst drawing. It was very therapeutic c: 

[cleo]

Going to sleep. And planning on starting tomorrow positively.

[3xEmonkey]

Instead I

Watched Fringe and then drove around listening to Kesha.

[Teacup]

Instead I took a Xanax. I was feeling severely out of control. I felt I was about to hurt myself or a family member. 

[heilmania]

Called my mom. Even from over 500 miles away, she always makes me feel better. 

[Kitkat.xx]

picked up some crayola markers and drew flowers all over my arms and legs (avoiding scars of course)