TeenHelp - Triggering (SH): Urges (scratching, cutting)

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- - Triggering (SH): Urges (scratching, cutting) (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f12-self-harm/t158621-urges-scratching-cutting/)

Urges (scratching, cutting)

So, I stopped cutting (yay me), but about a month after I stopped having simple urges of cutting, I replaced it with scratching. At first it was a simple scratch up the fore arm to relieve pent up anger when I stopped myself arguing with my mother. I thought nothing of it, the sharp jolt of pain snapped me out and made me feel better, and it left nothing but a three-ten minute red mark up my arm. Then it quickly grew. Instead of one scratch, it was several, then I once I scratched so badly [Edit] It still hasn't healed fully and that was about a month+ ago. I went back to one or a few scratches, sometimes purposefully rehurting the burn (re-scratching, picking at it). Now, just today after three weeks of maximum stress (school, mooting (a law thing) going to shit thanks to my team mate, mum is starting to get to me, online relationship going badly, etc), I suddenly had this urge to scratch my face and scalp. To the point I feel like I need constant pain just to feel okay, itching to grab a knife and cut my head. I know this isn't healthy, I know I need to stop it as fast as I started, but I have no clue how...

Please help!

Re: Urges (scratching, cutting)

Hey,

It's good that you are looking to stop hurting yourself. Hurting yourself releases endorphins in the brain which is probably why you want to keep doing it. Your brain ends up craving that feeling. You can try to release endorphins through other ways, such as exercising or listening to your favorite music (or doing something that lifts your spirits).

It seems like you know why you feel like harming yourself, given the stress you're experiencing right now. Maybe you can slowly begin working on each thing. You mentioned your mom and a teammate and a few other things. Is there something you feel up to working on first?

TeenHelp has some alternatives at the top right of your screen, next to the Safety Zone. There are a lot of useful alternatives to use when you're having a difficult time. You should give a few a try, and see if you find any favorites over time.

I am around if you need anything.