Self harm query (healthy solutions)

Post Reply New Topic

I used to self harm. Does anyone have advice on how to deal with negative emotion?

I've stopped self harming but I still feel overwhelmed by negative emotion when I feel it. Does anyone have any healthy tips on how to deal with this?

- punch a pillow
- listen to some angry music
- heavy exercise

exercise, yes. a long walk.
sing loudly along with your favourite music.

(i used to self-harm, too.)

Is self-harm common with Asperger's also? I've only read about head-banging or biting in children but have been wondering about teens or adults.

This is really weird. But I read about the whole squeeze machine thing fascinating about how it could be soothing. So I've tried to think of ways to possibly emulate deep pressure. Weighted blanket, or wrapping yourself up in one. And I've been experimenting with different types of pressure. Like holding a large book on my lap, or wrapping my arms or hands in ace bandages for short periods at the computer. It is surprisingly soothing.

If you can do some type of exercise, that might help also. Batting cage is a fun one for me, but of course that only works when they're open.

find someone to talk to, a best friend that will help you through anything

Weightlifting and running--particularly running. work best for me.

Give it a try--I was doubtful of it at first, but it has really helped me.

Hope some of this helps you,

--David

Head banging feels good, and it relieves tension. Is still do it.

Thanks for the healthy suggestions.

About the reason I used to self harm, I used to self harm when I felt stressed or really sad and so I need to figure out healthy means to ease stress and saddness. I haven't self harmed in a long time (years) but I didn't know how to calm down effectively, causing the feeling to last longer.

I will try the healthy suggestions that people suggested next time I get overwhelmed by negative emotions.

Athenacapella, I don't think it's more prevelant among us on the Spectrum but I think we may talk about it more.

When I used to cut, people suggested drawing on myself; it didn't work for me, but it might for you. What I ended up doing was getting a lot of paint; red paint can look like blood (if you're as blind as I am, anyway), and I found that provided a similar release without actual pain. Paint washes off.

I used to have a foam bat that I beat my couch with. It helped physically get it out. Scared my cats though.

Music helps me now. I play the piano or just play music on my computer.

The only thing that I've ever found to work is to just accept that I was going to be overwhelmed with pain, and to use all my-self control to not block the pain by self-harming.
Eventually, the pain stops being overwhelming.

Scream as loud as you can. (If applicable.)

I like to rant and curse a lot if I'm feeling pissed off, and at a certain point it subsides.

I've also had some success listening to melancholy music. Nothing full blown "I want to kill myself" emo type stuff, but things like haunting classical melodies or Radiohead. Helps that well of feelings seep through instead of just burst in rage.