When you have depression or anxiety, you may utilize unsafe coping mechanisms like drugs, alcohol, or self-harm. People of all ages and genders can come to a point where they feel a need to harm themselves to deal with emotional pain. If you want to stop yourself from self-injury, here are a few tips for avoiding it and finding healthier alternatives.

How to Stop Yourself From Self-Harming Actions

1. Replace the Rush

Many people engage in self-harming behavior because it provides them a momentary high or sense of control over their emotions. If you are looking for a way to curb the behavior at the moment of pain infliction, find options that provide a rush, such as taking a cold shower or gently snapping a rubber band against your skin.

2. Choose Self-Care

Self-harm is often a response to the intolerable emotional pain you are feeling from depression or anxiety. When you recognize these feelings emerging, decide to perform or plan activities that you enjoy, including getting massages, watching favorite movies, or spending time with a pet. Hobbies or self-care activities bring you to a more positive headspace and are beneficial for your emotional health.

3. Express Anger

Whether it’s depression or anxiety you experience, addressing the anger you feel regarding these emotions or the situations that prompted them can provide you some relief. If your self-abuse is fueled by feelings of rage, talk about what is triggering these emotions with a counselor, who will provide alternative coping strategies. In the moment, it may also be helpful to take your anger out on something like a pillow.

4. Talk With a Friend

Having someone to talk to reminds you that you’re not alone. Confiding in a friend or family member about the feelings of self-abuse you’re experiencing may help you find some relief. You may feel lighter after the conversation, which will help you avoid these actions at the moment and in the future.

If you are facing feelings of self-harm, talk to the professionals at Alleghany Highlands Community Services in Covington, VA. The counselors on staff have more than 35 years of experience seeing patients with depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, and other mental health disorders. Learn more about their mental health offerings online or call (540) 965-2135 to schedule an appointment.