>>40410>Do you self harm?Haven't properly self harmed in over a year, have been
>How do you do it? (cutting, punching, burning, etc.)Cutting used to be my go-to (I have been self harming for 8 years or so now), now it is easier to hit myself or throw myself against a wall. Usually would cut with whatever I could, box razors, exacto knives (love the control you get with those), sometimes I would have nothing and I would break apart my shaving razors and use those. Sometimes i've been in such an upset haze ive used coat hangers or other pieces of metal to hurt myself. sometimes the urges come on so fast and so strong I use whatever I can to relive myself.
>What's the longest clean streak you've had?Maybe a year or two from full blown cutting, but even during the "clean streaks" I have to fight the urges by digging my nails into my skin, or hitting myself.
>Do you have any tips on how to keep the urges at bay?try to work on regulating your emotions, easier said than done. when I get swept up in my mood swings I try to stop for a second and think about it. I try to write lists of things I can do instead of cutting myself, like take a bath, allow myself to cry, wrap myself in a blanket. it's hard, but i always remind myself that now that im an adult i have control over more things than just cutting myself.
>Does it stem from your mental health issues if you have any?yes. my self harm stems from my depression, adhd, and my not so good family dynamic i had growing up im sure. i have trouble regulating my emotions, and i use a lot of different negative forms of coping for my adhd and other issues. I used to cut myself for punishment, just to feel something, etc. lots of different reasons! it used to be my go-to for many years so that's why I still think about it all the time. now i drink or smoke. not a better option but hey
