Just remember to turn on the light !


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That moment of time when you feel the sharp edge of the blade against your skin... The momentary hesitation ... bracing yourself for the sting before you move your hand decisively, the metallic scent of blood filling your senses as you watch the bright red liquid bubble to the surface and for that one moment you feel .... At peace.


As sensational and thrilling as this sounds, the high unfortunately only lasts for a short moment of time after which .... You need more.. it starts as a one off , where you scoff at the possibility of not being able to stop yet soon find yourself yearning for more yet being unsatisfied every single time, needing more and more till you just cant see an end.


And then comes the shame, the doubts and the self hate as every single day, the scars remind you of your weakness, taunt you about how they will never let you forget this dark time for years, maybe even for your whole life... You see them, you hate them yet the next day, you sit against the cold wall and watch the red bloosom to life on your skin.

However, you are not alone and never have been in this journey. All it takes is one day of telling yourself that enough is enough. Is the journey easy? No... definitely not but then, is any struggle easy? Because that is exactly what this is - a journey to reclaim yourself, to rise above the ever present voice in your head and to win that battle and get rid of the addiction.


Does the struggle end there? Definitely not..because each day thereafter, each new challenge, each new hurdle in your path will urge you to give in...maybe just once.... maybe just one little cut. But the strength is in turning your back on it. 



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There is no one single reason people might cut, there are a few people who cut to release the overwhelming pressure they feel, some who cut to let out feelings they arent free or able to express and there are those who cut just to feel anything but the numbness inside.


The mere act of self harming lets them be in control for that one single moment. It is they who are in charge of the pain being caused to them and it is them who can stop it. This control leads to a euphoric high which is seldom achieved. However this spike in endorphins doesnt last too long and leaves you feeling more down and dejected than you were before. 


So how does one get over it? How does one make it stop?

One can never suddenly just stop... It is not how we are programmed as human beings but, what can be done is tricking yourself into getting that feeling of release, of being awake ... Of being free. The following are some methods which can be adopted for the same: 


1. Drawing with a red pen over the spot where u might cut: this is used to trick your body into believing that blood has been drawn.

2. Taking ice and squeezing it really hard till you feel the bite: The cold ice hurts pretty bad and is a safer way of using the pain to ground yourself.

3. Working out - can be something as simple as going for a walk to some HIIT training: It releases the "feel good hormones" and lifts your mood.

4. Eating chocolate: It helps distract you, increase your blood sugar levels and also lift your mood. As Remus Lupin said, Chocolate is the best medicine.

5. Talking to someone: This can be a trusted friend/ family member, a professional healthcare provider or even us here at The Rising Phoenix.

6. Screaming into a pillow: If frustration is what is leading you to self harm, this method definitely helps get rid of it. You can also pummel the pillow if you are too worked up.

7. Listening to your favorite music: Try to stick to faster numbers and feel-good songs. Music not only distracts you but also helps lift your spirits.

 

These are some of the methods that have been tried by cutters and proven to work. 

Other ways to do so are provided by the following URLs:-

How to stop cutting: Ways to help yourself and others (medicalnewstoday.com)

How Can I Stop Cutting? (for Teens) - Nemours KidsHealth

Cutting and Self-Harm - HelpGuide.org


The most important thing to remember is that you cannot get better if you do not decide to do it. No therapist, no miracle medicine can help you but yourself. Others can be there to listen, to guide you and to catch you when you fall, but YOU have to take that first step and decide to love yourself and to get better.



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Write to us in the comments section below if you have found any other coping methods or if your reason to self harm is different!

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