Avoiding self harm

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I tend to end up in a mental headspace that is sort of like an internal meltdown, and in such a headspace I end up hurting myself for a couple of hours, then sleep and then the following day is crap and then after that I'm back to normal. It is a pattern which I would like to break. Though need a plan before ending up in this state. The last time I was feeling like this to a low level, I kept my situation such that I could not, and spent some time relaxing at another persons house rather than being by myself, however I suspect this would be inadequate if I was feeling that way more strongly than then, or if that person is not available for me to hang out at their place for a while. I am wondering what suggestions other people have for handling, or preventing, such situations?

I am sorry that I have no solutions - been there, doing that.

The best way that I have found out of the very negative thoughts sprialling down is som two - three double vodkas (or the like). It somehow calms me down. It is not a thing that I would recommend (do not try this at home )

You definitely need a plan in place to stop yourself before you start. Gather up all of the most distracting mental things you can think of that will prevent you from getting to that mental point. And have a plan in place for if you do feel like doing X to yourself. Find something similar that you can do to something else instead of yourself. And come up with backup plans for those plans.

Personally I've been wanting a punching bag for those times when I am feeling destructive and out-of-control.

In milder cases I can do something

Go into the garden and do soemthing physical, like digging
Take a walk in the forest - until I am exhausted
Read something I really like to read
Special interest (not working at the moment, unfortunately)

Helle

I know you say something physical is not an option, and I don't know what your circumstances are, but even if you have limits, if you can do any sort of exhausting exercise at all it will be beneficial, just from a biochemical standpoint. You get cortisol and adrenaline built up in your body causing actual physical harm to your brain and thought patterns (in addition to your body). When you exercise, the cortisol levels decrease, endorphins are released, and you should feel better mentally. Walking for a few miles won't do it though, it has to be cardiovascular exertion to the point of sweating (I would say for at least 10 minutes) and what usually follows is the inability to hold a conversation without getting winded.

The hard part is finding something that you don't absolutely hate doing (and getting started doing it), but tell yourself to at least do the exercise for 5 minutes. Once you actually get started it should be easier. Then just try playing a game in your head to push yourself a little farther before you stop. Remind yourself that even though the work is difficult and painful, it will all be over in less than x minutes. Of course, if you have any medical problems or are not physically active at all you need to talk to a doctor about what your maximum exertion level should be to start.

Sweet Pea hugs