Ways Help Avoid Self Harm

Finding ways to prevent or distract yourself from self-harm may help you get through a difficult moment.

However, it's very important that you get the support and treatment that you need to help address the underlying cause.

It can feel like a big step to speak to someone you do not know about your feelings or experiences. But with support it may feel easier to make changes that help reduce or stop your self-harm.

Ways to help avoid self-harm

Do

try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, trained volunteer or health professional. You could contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 if you need someone to talk to
try working out if feeling a certain way leads to your self-harm - for example, when you're feeling sad or anxious you could try expressing that emotion in a safer way
try waiting before you consider self-harm - distract yourself by going out for a walk, listening to music, or doing something else harmless to keep you busy; the need to self-harm may begin to pass over time
try calming breathing exercises or other things you find relaxing to reduce feelings of anxiety
write down your feelings - no one else needs to see it
read about mental health and wellbeing - including help for common feelings such as stress, anxiety and depression
if you struggle with suicidal thoughts, it may help to make a safety plan to use if you need it - the Staying Safe website has a guide on how to make a safety plan

Further information and support

Mind - Self-harm: helping yourself now

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