Top 10 Ways to Prevent Self-Harm

You guys are all amazing people, and I hate the thought that anyone could be suffering in silence. I've been there before, so I made this list to help you.

This list is intended for general informational and supportive purposes only and is not medical advice or a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you are thinking about harming yourself, please reach out for help now. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also visit 988lifeline.org. If you are in immediate danger or need emergency medical assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

You do not have to handle this alone. Consider telling someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, counselor, doctor, teacher, or other supportive person, and ask them to stay with you while you get help.

The Top Ten
  1. Draw a butterfly where you want to hurt yourself

    If you draw a butterfly or something else, I've heard that it can be a very good solution. If you are suffering, please don't be afraid to reach out to someone. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.

    I'm gonna try this. Thanks, bud.

  2. Watch your favorite show or movie

    A great thing to do when you're depressed is just unwind and get into a great movie or TV show. Whether it's a Disney marathon or a SpongeBob marathon, it's nice to relax. Please stay safe.

  3. Do something you love

    It doesn't matter if it's drawing, writing, or browsing TheTop10s for hours on end. You need to get your mind onto something you love! I like sleeping.

  4. Be with someone you love

    It's always helpful to be with someone who has a positive influence on your life, especially someone who loves you.

    Yeah! I really agree with that!

  5. Listen to music

    Music is a great connection to your soul, and it can calm you down and be a lot of fun. It doesn't matter if it's '80s pop or dubstep. Music is a great thing.

  6. Eat some delicious food

    Eating fruits and vegetables makes me feel better, especially peppers (vibrant!), carrots, and broccoli. I love veggie subs, veggie wraps, and veggie pitas. The flavours (including sweetness), juiciness, and crunchy textures are very immersive.

    Food can be good, but don't binge eat. Many depressed individuals lose their appetite. I'm sorry for this item. I ran out of ideas.

  7. Take a long, hot shower

    A shower can be a great thing. It helps you get clean, can be calming, and is a place where you'll get lots of great ideas and a chance to relax. Go have some fun. Put on your favourite tunes and go!

  8. Talk about it to someone you love

    Talking about your problems can be hard, but it's not good to bottle up your feelings. It can be emotionally toxic and can make you physically sick too.

  9. Get hugs, hugs and more hugs

    Hugs, what more is there to say?

  10. Use body protectors

    I should do that.

  11. The Newcomers
  12. ?

    Do needle felting

    Ok maybe not so much as it gives access to needles and they tend to be very sharp. I don't intentionally poke myself with them.

  13. ?

    Play with a fidget toy

  14. The Contenders
  15. Take a break into your imagination

    Yeah, I do it when I feel like curling up into a ball. I like to imagine that I'm in a peaceful jungle by a waterfall with maybe some rain, or in a harmless snowstorm by a forest on the side of a mountain, imagining the sounds and smells that the air might carry in each environment.

    Explore your deepest thoughts, create new fantasy worlds, or replay some good memories. My imagination is my safe haven. Take a trip sometime.

  16. Talk to your cat or dog

    I like to pet animals to get out the "cute aggression" and take out my positive but overflowing feelings on them, seeing it make them happy. I make sure to respect their boundaries. I also make stuffed animals and realistic needle-felted creatures that feel real and hug them.

    They actually listen.

  17. Draw on yourself with red ink

    I also use makeup. Maybe even SFX makeup.

BAdd New Item