how do u stop self harming?

i have had problems all through my life and find that self harming helps i feel it takes the emontial pain away, i have been self harmin since the age of 12 now and im 21 nearly 22,i dnt knw how to stop it? can any 1 help? i feel silly writin this but just cant go on like this. i mainly cut myself sometimes on my wrists but mainly where ppl cant see its like if i bleed i feel like it feels good because i hsve punished my self snd the pain is better than emontial pain,also i have taken pills, and done other ways of self harmin, i am on tablets citralpram, and a type of beta blocker,no 1 has no idea what i do,i would be greatful of some advice pls, thanx

[heyjude1]

Hi, I had similar circumstances but not with cutting but hitting myself, screaming and beating my head on the wall...just to get rid of the menal pain.  I have learned to take out my pain and frustration on other objects.  Screaming always helps me, throwing a ball aginst a wall as hard as I can and as long as I can helps and so  does beating the hell out of a tree with a pillow.

I never wanted to punish myself it was just sometimes the mental pain was so filled up that I had to release it some way...

[Jaquta]

I would suggest you see a psychiatrist and speak to a psychotherapist.
Some people say that using ice instead of cutting helps.
You could try checking out dbt skills on the internet.  They are said to be very helpful for everyone but in particular those who self-harm.

I would still strongly encourage you to follow up with a psychiatrist and therapist.

The doctor on the mental health expert forum has a website (myvirtualshrink.com) that you may or may not find useful.

[ApRiLGeTsAngry77]

I ditto what everyone else has said. I have a DBT Therapy workbook and here are some of the things they suggest:

* Instead of hurting yourself, hold an ice cube in one hand and squeeze it. The sensation from the cold is very numbing and distracting.

* Write on yourself with a red tip marker where you want to cut. You can even use red nail polish to mimic bleeding.

* Snap a rubber band agaist your wrist

* Draw faces on people you hate and pop the balloons

* Throw rolled up ball of socks against the wall

* Stick pins in a balled up pair of socks.

and my all time favorite;
throw ice cubes into an empty bathtub!

I hope this helps and please take care of yourself.