Coping with self injury and anxiety

[rawr24house]

a good strategy for me is to write or draw about how u feel. your videos are really helpful.

[iamdifferent5]

Excersise helps a lot. Letting someone I trust know I need them has saved me though.

[Sand4y]

when I want to self injur or feel like im mad and want to hurt some one else I go running with my dogs =3 or some times I go by my self.

[xOfVanityAndWaxx]

What makes me so mad about this is that I've tried everything, things you think are good and bad and I still can't control it. :/

[kotathatsme]

Hehe, weird thing is, I dont feel the icecube when I'm angry etc, I usually carve something in my table xD I do not listen to music since it seems to trigger it sometimes. That's what I do... haha.

[ansleyx]

You have a very mature and intelligent perspective on this issue. I hope everyone dealing with these issues finds this video and follows your advice for recovery. Being aware of triggers and having a well thought out plan in advance for when these moments happen is very important and solid advice. A lot of brilliant people suffering from self injury have learned to channel that potentially destructive energy into some creative and beautiful manifestations.

[theitjourney]

Snapping rubber bands/ice cubes don't work for me because it gets me started, and it gets even harder for me to resist the razor. It doesn't satisfy my need to self injure, but just feeds the need. I am highly involved in band. I play trumpet, french horn, and I'm learning to play the saxophone, harmonica, guitar, and the piano. But that outlet only works when my anxiety level is really low.

[IDontDoDrumCovers]

i dont feel anything but i keep getting urges to self injure

[fracture7924]

@IDontDoDrumCovers

Then you 'feel' the urge to self-harm. You should follow that feeling and self-harm. Alot.

[mannendobos]

Music and tv is very important for me when the anxiety comes. Its important that I at least have 1 thing that can help me think of something else. Even if it is often very difficult. Pot is also something that works for "ME". I have never self injured me thoe. Btw I just stumbled over your vids. They are great. One of my biggest problem is just to open up for other people, so i have always keept my own problems to my self :(

[MsSTRAWBERRYpanda]

Punching a wall is dangerus because a kid at my school punched the wall and he broke his arm

[fracture7924]

@MsSTRAWBERRYpanda

A kid at my school punched a wall but it went through and killed his brother and two cats.

[hazelnut1593]

try learning an instrument like guitar. it's quiet and relaxing. i'm a very shy person and i don't like to bother people. i sit in my room and strum my ukulele softly. it is an escape that i can feel good about rather than self injury.

[hayleyevans12]

There's a sparkle on your shoulder. Anyways, your videos really helped me since I have been trying to stop si.

[theboombody]

It would break my heart to see this girl hurt herself. She seems so sweet.

[fracture7924]

@theboombody

She's dead now you know.

[theboombody]

@fracture7924

I hope not. I noticed JaneyFromKorea's channel disappeared. I hope nothing happened to her.

[spagerbot]

I just started feeling again, and it's pretty cool. It's still really scary when I'm around my parents, but I like it overall. I find that doing something I'm interested in that's just for me (that no one else knows about) helps me not kill myself or self injure.

This is good advice xsullengirlx.

[MissDDHeather]

I don't self injure as far as physically. But some things I do put myself through, arn't great either.

I believe I am bi-polar. So, my moods vary and are sometimes extreme. For me what helps is being alone, when I know I need to. But I surround myself with people that make me feel better about myself sometimes, and encourage me. This helps because, too much of being alone, allows me to just think non-stop, and that puts me in a bad place.

[starmlk]

I miss your videos. I hope that you're doing well!

[lifeinpoetry]

I write poetry. Since 2005 I've written over one hundred pages of poetry.

I also work on web scripts and, more recently, have sometimes gotten myself off the computer when I can and interact with people who won't judge me. Just being on the computer constantly is isolating no matter how much I talk to online friends or speak up on message boards.

Good video. I've always felt that to learn to tone down self-injury you have to learn to be a little uncomfortable.

[THEoliviaAnn]

i don't know if this is very helpful to anyone, but i know that when i am stressed out of upset, it always helps to talk talk TALK. because i usually have all these thoughts running around in my head, and i don't know how to organize them. then a lot of times, when i try to talk, i get embarrassed for being needed, or i can't connect everything i want to say. for this reason, i find that writing what you want to tell someone first helps a LOT. that might be kind of cliche, but it helps me.

[nakedsadist]

I'm not a self injurer but i do struggle constantly with anxiety. meds don't seem to help and i think therapy will help a bit but until then... do you have any suggestions to help cope with this anxiety? thanks so much and I really appreciate the videos you're making.

[shortstuff9296]

anxiety sucks been having attacks since 12/22/09 have not gone to the doc but i dont like how my mom calls me crazy did your parents say you crazy and if not what???????

[xXCurseOfMeXx]

okay so i comented no to long ago on this vid, but today i went to a funeral nd i found the only way to calm down was to draw nd in ur video thats not the way to go about it now i havnt self harmed for a long while so im lookin forward to the next video =D

[25nov17]

your so inspiering!!! love your video.. it very helpfull

[emogirl5461]

thanks for the video.

[xXCurseOfMeXx]

sullengirl uno i think its great that u talk bout this in the way that u do, nd help so many people nd just wanted to say that ur doin a good job it helps alot, nd lol im a bit illiterate so if i dnt make sence thats why

[MrsSeverusSnape123]

Lady gaga.

[HazelHemmorage]

Sullengirl, have you ever thought of becoming a counselor/therapist? It seems like you know SO much more than any mental health professional I've talked to about self injury. The stuff you say seems to help a lot more because of your experience and less pushy approach.

[xsullengirlx]

I have considered some kind of social work - my ultimate goal is starting some kind of organization or center, and maybe speaking (if I can overcome my anxiety) to kids and teens... I am already almost 25, so going to school to be a therapist seems almost daunting because of the cost/years but social work is definitely something I want to pursue :) Thank you for the support & encouragement in that, there is a lack of knowledgeable, understanding people out there, I know!

[TheAmazingMantis]

@xsullengirlx, I've noticed that a lot of people on Youtube start their videos or first or second sentence with the word "so"? Why is that?

[xsullengirlx]

While I am not a mind reader, maybe it's due to the fact that they are continuing from an older video, or connecting thoughts/sentences together? Or maybe it's a crutch word like "um", "uh" or "like". Take your pick ;) Sorry if it bothers you.

[YoSoyAdorabLe]

I can tell you are loosing weight. You are looking better each video you make.

[brunobliss]

that's a sexy mouth, right there

[steelstrings87]

I started smoking to cope w/ anxiety. I love how I'm taking years off my life, but that's somehow more acceptable than making some temporary, ugly marks on my skin. (sarcasm, btw.)

Don't get me wrong, I know self-injury is damaging to both the body and the psyche. But the booze and the cigarettes are somehow societally acceptable. Even though they'll kill me if I don't stop.

What I'm saying is: it could be going better ;). But I haven't SI'd in quite a while.

[grenouille0419]

You are so right about not using a marker or rubber band when feeling the urge to self injure. The urge is always motivated by an emotion and the emotions need to be dealt with, not just "coped with."

Best wishes to you!

[Carebearkristen]

Hey thanks for this video! Happy Holidays! also I was just wondering if you have heard all this news about Alyssa Bustamante? and how she suffers from depression and cutting and self mutilation? and she killed her sisters 9 year old playmate to see what it felt like? was just wondering what you thought about it? and maybe you could even make a video on youtube to post about it since it deals with exactly what you speak about here and what alot of younger people are dealing with? thanks alot!

[xsullengirlx]

Happy Holidays to you too! I haven't heard of this case. I will look it up ASAP and if I feel it worth commenting on (which I probably will since I have an opinion on everything! haha) I will make a video! Thanks for letting me know about it, I appreciate that.

[donnie350]

wow I have a couple of say'n's "In a Bi-Polar world its always best to play it straight.....my wife and I are going through the holiday blues. She has taken a lover and confessed to me that she loved this guy. She takes Zoloft and has been off for a few weeks and I just got it refilled today. It scares me sometimes when she gets anxiety driven. It's actually all over

the South Side of Chicago.

So Much I would like to ask you.......

[lahusso]

WOW. I would think they would commit someone for killing someone else.That person must be pretty bad off to kill a 9 year old kid.That seems

like that person has more of a problem then

what she is talking about.

[annabaker100]

what if you dont now what else to do.

i dont now anything besides self harm and the rubber band thing

[MissChristyVera]

I didn't think I would slip but I did when jobs got overwhelming. After a year I did but I know people do slip up. Re watching your videos and this one is great! xoxo

[brookeXbrutal1]

thank you for making this video,it helped me sooo much. its been four years,and nobody can find out what to do with me,or what would help me, so i started thinking that you are the only one who completely knows yourself,and only you know what upsets you. i think it would make things easier if i started writing down what triggers my emotions,and figure out how to avoid them,and then eventually try to explain to people so i can help them help me

[annabaker100]

the only thing i now is to talk on the phone to a friend or start preparing for my soon to be powerpoint vidio on here is what has been keepinging me doing good so far ya i sliped up once in a mouth and put two words on my lag

[0caloriegirl]

your not the only one, I feel lots of anxiety like that around xmas time. Right now Ive been 8months without cutting. :)

[Orbit915]

the best thing i've found to not self injure is to hurt others physically, and injest alcohol. it doesn't help because now i have a whole new set of problems. fighting, and willingly want to really hurt others. When someone submits to my power i consider that the ultimate uphoria. i need help

[xsullengirlx]

Are you serious or trolling? If you are serious, then I know that it can be hard to let our your anger in harmful ways, but hurting someone else is just as bad as yourself, and the implications can be much worse as you know. I do suggest asking someone professional for help, just for your own sake because I'd hate to see someone get into trouble if they have real problems. If I can be of any help for resources, contact me. Take care.

[Orbit915]

sadly i was serious, and i am seeking help. thanks for your comment back though. abusing alcohol is a huge problem.

[hussaruk]

Tell me about it

[CookieDolly]

After attending a 2 day old baby's funeral, I came home and knew I was going to cut. The anger and despair was too much for me. Fully dressed, I threw myself into my parents' swimming pool on a cold February morning. The water was so cold, the shock I felt was enough. It took a while to change clothes, dry off, and warm up. The time helped but so did the freezing cold. It was like a million knives stabbing me. No scars, no bruises but the memory of the cold is still fresh.

[imhuntingbears]

My ideas of what to do when needing to self injure: when the feeling of needing to self injure first comes into your mind, the longer you leave it, I think the unconscious drive moves into your conscious mind where it makes less sense to do it, also sometimes the longer you leave it the more 'pretentious' it becomes..

[imhuntingbears]

I totally agree that you cannot replace self injury with another form of self injury which doesn't leave a mark/scar. And you are also reinforceing the need to self harm. I always watch your viedos, I think you are a beautiful person xx

[berrykrazie]

I'm gald you said something I was tierd of looking at sites for ways to cope and seeing draw on my skin, or use ice. I don't agree with it at all it does not help me stop wanting to self injure it just reinforces and conditions me to think and feel that to deal with negative feelings my only way out is self injury

[SpazzyMonkeys]

i just totally block and ignore all my emotions its probly the only reason i dont self injure but at the same time i just feel kinda really hollow and its kinda shit when i know i should b happy about something but im just like eh because iv blocked off everything

[lotus8998]

I agree..many of those strategies don't help you really learn to deal with problems - they are just another last resort that happens to not be as destructive. It might be better to go through life drawing on your skin as opposed to cutting it, but why not learn to actually confront your emotions and actually fix the problem?

[Ophelia9184]

although, it's been a while since i have self-injured, i am still am bottling up a lot. i found this video to be a helpful reminder to work on myself.

[LemonOdette]

it's not bad to use unharmful ways if you have no other choice. i have post traumatic stress that is a complex type, there is no way to deal with it all, plus there's other things that cause anxiety that are probably physical or something that i can't actually make go away. sometimes there isn't something to confront or there's too much to ever get through, so it's at least better to use "safe alternatives"... not that i've found many, i'll probably give myself liver disease. :P

[Bimboesque]

u are awesome!

[iheartalkaline]

why would you want to hurt yourself? youre such a beautiful girl and your videos are so beautiful, trying to help people so they dont hurt themselves! youre amazing girl!

[muzeee]

oh wow! Haven't thought of self injury in that light. Thanks so much for the information :)

[NouraTheMuslimah]

excellent video!!! i think both working things out mentally and the elastic/sharpie. i found long after i worked out my issues, wen i was stressed in the slightest by normal day things, the elastic band helped me just to chill, and eventually i just didnt need it anymore

[NouraTheMuslimah]

elastic bands for the win!

[wckd4u]

Oh and I have a suggestion. For those who find meditation a difficult task, try moving meditation. I am one of those people who cant sit down, breath, and forcefully clear my mind. Moving meditation also gives the benefit of exercise and release of certain hormones to bring about happy, cleansed feeling. Such meditations would be iike that of Yoga. My personal favorite is Qi Qong, because if you master it enough, you can further into Nei Dan, and move things with your mind...

[wckd4u]

Ehm, do you like Lady GaGa? I've recently decided I like her music. After viewing some interviews, I really like her as a person. But something about her seemed familiar... Like I've seen her face before. Then it hit me... You could so pull her off! XD

[BloodRavenous]

I write. Poetry, a diary, anything to get the emotions out. It's constructive AND cathartic, and I recommend it to anyone with a pen & paper who self-harms (or needs any other type of release).

[MikayRawr]

@BloodRavenous I do this to. but i self-harm as well. both ways 2 release it but poetry and the journal only helps a bit i am going 2 try the rubber band later.

[BloodRavenous]

Yeah sometimes it isn't enough, and it takes practice to have it replace most self-harm. GL with the rubber band :)

[88UnderTheDrum]

good to see you back!!!!

i missed you.

[ShikaxIta]

I have a question... What is the best way, that u know, to cope with a panic attack? I've been having them recently and I don't know what to do when I have them... I've passed out because I couldn't breathe when I last had one, or at least a serious one, and fell face first into a pillow and nearly died...

[totalH20]

This helped me to think more in depth about my emotions and how I shoud deal with them. It's just difficult to face your emotions when you are used to self harm and when you don't communicate with others very well =\ That's my dilemma

[lovemybones16]

i forgot to mention some of my coping mechanisms.

some people have mentioned talking to a friend but personally this has never really been effective for me. they tend to not understand and i end up more frusturated than relieved.

i like to write. poetry, usually, but if i'm just totally overwhelmed and can't think creatively i'll just make a list of what i'm feeling and, if possible reasons behind my emotions. it's another way of making the feelings visible and tangible without harming myself

[lovemybones16]

beautiful christie, i'm so happy to see you back here making videos!

they've always been well-made, organized and honest and i know that i, for one, sincerely appreciate the thought and care you put into them in hopes of helping others. i'm looking forward to party two! stay strong and stay safe!

[onthebackburner]

Deep breathing sometimes helps me - I focus myself on that instead of my urge.

Great video, I completely agree with you.

[ianroadyyyy]

How did u get so smart :). I was in hospital last week ad a very bad episode. But recovering now. Here in the UK the medical ppl still beleave that self injery is attention seeking grrr.

[sillkaka4]

i'm in hsiptal alot they are like "o god hear she is again" that makes me want to do it mare

[yourknownstranger]

i told my friend and now shes not talking to me which is making me SH even more :/

[onthebackburner]

I'm sorry to hear that. :/

If you need to talk to someone, feel free to message me.

[darkmen113]

just share your problems with a thrusted friend. it helped me alot

[PalisBee]

"integrate feelings into your life" - that really spoke to me, I don't feel like this is something I know how to do, I only know how to hide or numb my emotions when I'm out and about... I'm really going to try and remember this and work on it.

things to do instead: relax myself to reduce the anxiety, like take a bath, and then write some journal entries to try and make some connections with why I'm so anxious

[annelopez1]

I tend to write poems of my feelings or emotions at the time I am feeling the urge to go cut myself. this hasn't always work but it's been a good start to slowly helping me quick. I've struggles with this for over 6 yrs now.

[WingzOFaDove]

walking! It's a way to walk away and clear the mind...I know it's not always possible but when able DO IT! even if it's just around the block...if you can't get away ...maybe just lock yourself in the bathroom for a few minutes to help reset your mind. I struggle too! there is still hope. lov u all! :)

[BeautifulLady523]

i keep a journal, i really get to sort out my issues when i write them down, once i start writing i dont stop until i find out the source of the problem then i write about how im going to deal with the problem, it has helped me alot, i write down everything, especially when my thoughts get a bit crazy

[WingzOFaDove]

I write too...good help! :)

[apathetickitty]

Physical exercise can also help, if that's your thing. You get a release and a dose of endorphins to boot. Call a friend who will cheer you up, watch one of those cute "kitten playing with puppy" videos on YouTube, crochet a sweater. I agree that rubber band snapping, etc doesn't really help. It staves off the desire to cut, maybe, but doesn't get to the root of the problem making you want to in the first place.

[apathetickitty]

How about trying to write out why exactly you're feeling the way you're feeling, what triggered it, etc. I think that sometimes pinpointing why you feel a certain way and what will happen if you self injure (guilt, someone might see it, so on) is enough to distract you long enough to get away from the impulsive need to SI. Maybe not enough to forget the need, but so that it's not so great, and you can move on to other healthier coping mechanisms.

[WingzOFaDove]

smart! ;)

[JimP1957]

Is getting drunk almost every night considered self injury too? I think i've done alot of damage to my liver.

[WingzOFaDove]

yes,,,I agree...been there done that!

[XxHaleyHazrdousxX]

what i do most the time is like try to sing a favrite song or like turn on the music and dance around with my eyes closed.or talk to my best freind.also i like to smile wen i feel like it i just smile really big or if im with someone i like to be funny and random. u know?

[XxRikuXluvrxX]

Lovin your hair! Great video =]

When I'm feeling an urge, I'll call someone. I wouldn't DARE do anything while I'm on the phone, or physically with someone, so it really helps.

Finding things that keep my hands busy is really helpful, too. Drawing, writing, doing projects, anything like that aregreat alternatives for me.

[fiercity04]

this is a very good hun. :D the best yet i think. :D i'm so proud of you too. For me, i'm recovered SI, but i still get the urges, and what i do about it is i know a) i'll regret cutting b) that will make me feel worse c) what is my real problem I.e. what am i really mad at or hurt by d) how do i solve that problem?

by the time i'm done asking myself those things, i've usually calmed down.

[IceLightsGirl]

Wow. I loved this! I'm so glad to see someone finally talk about coping with SH. I never actually thought about coping and how it affects us, because the fog on SH is still clearing on me now that I'm completely out of it. Can't wait for your next video, and I'm rooting for you! Good luck and I hope you enjoy your holidays!!!

[starmlk]

I'm glad to see this video from you. It's very helpful, and I love your hair!

[Kel2daSea]

thanks for this video :)

i came out to my mom and few other people las month. i've been cutting for the last 4 years...so yeah. these vidoes really help and i can relate to them.

so thank you for this...and keep making more :)

[amongtheashes20]

Good video. Thanks :)

A lot of times when I have the urge to SI, I do something artistic that gets my feelings out. It can be writing, painting, or learning to play a new song on the piano. I have found that it really dulls the urge so that I can at least resist it easier.

Sometimes I take a bath or shower (making sure that my tools are not nearby). It can be very relaxing and help to get my thoughts together.

I find that being around someone or talking to someone you trust is most helpful.

[PinkieMandi]

awesome video!!!!

but off topic i have to say that i LOVE your hair in the video!!!! i had my hair that color and it all started to break and i went dark and cut it short!! but watching this i want to be blonde again sooooo bad!!! it is so pretty!!!!!

[smokeshadow9]

thank you for this video, it's nice to here that some other people feel the same way about coping mechanisms.

what i do is write letter to the person i'm upset at (becuase my SI is triggered by being mad at other people most of the time) so this might not work for everyone, but i write the letter and talk about how i feel about what they said\did, then thorw the letter away.

[schmoozyduh]

i totally agree about substitutions, but i understand the reason for it. people that act on their urges need something to replace that, but it's definitely not something that they can keep doing. learning to ride out overwhelming feelings and situations is insanely difficult and as long as those little strategies are a brief first step on the road to recovery, they're okay...but yeah, people stres these way too much.

[fruitikay]

Good video. I agree.

[watzrongwme]

and have been flirting with the idea of burning myself. I have no money for therapy and Im awaiting my disability court date for Jan. 7th. I dont know if I will get medical help when Im approved, but I lost my free health care therapistin June when she left the facility and the health dept has no plans to replace her ever. My husband lost his job and I havent had therapy anywhere since June. Things are falling apart around me and the urge to cut is just getting worse. Music helps but not always

[watzrongwme]

Hi Im a 40 year old woman who SI and I have been diagnosed with bipolar as a rapid recycler. Unfortunately I cant take lithium due to other health issues. I have lupus and rheumatoid arthristis and they also cause depression, anxiety, etec. So I feel like I'm constantly on the roller coaster and I will never get off. I'm wondering if you have come across SI with people my age? I cut today and Ive been carrying my tool around for days and Im havin a hard time putting it down. I also punch myself

[iLuvDaniel471]

dude i needed this. lol. good timing.

[ent66]

Thank you Christie

Your video's always leave me feeling that im not alone and that I can over come my SH. Your words are inspiring and from the heart and I really want to thank you for helping me out.

<3 Danny ^^

[easthooligunz]

sorry i just don't know why someone would hurt themselves.. even if they are depressed, why don't they just think of the importance in life, and if you are lonely, so are alot of people. good job though

[wildcarebear]

everyone handels stress differently

[leighannenoelle]

I've recently found a coping mechanism that works wonders for me!!! I play Tetris or Dr. Mario! I guess any strategy game like that gets your mind thinking about the game and it completely takes away those SI urges for me! You can get Tetris online or for many game systems. I even have it on my phone!

[morikahjo]

Now i've got all these sores over my arm from biting....it looks like i have some disease...but it helps...(ugh! i dunno what to do)

[morikahjo]

I agree with you when you said those things arent good to do....i tried drawing on myself with a red pen like one site suggested...and then something in me....triggered....it was like NOW I NEED TO SEE REAL BLOOD!!I'm trying to stop self-injuring,,,but its not been easy at all when everyday i get theis fantasy of cutting every part of my body...or being hurt or being angry, even byt the slightest things.Now instead of cutting i've started something new thats just as but if not worse..biting.

[Meralies]

I've been self-injuring since I was very little, I'd scratch my skin, pick at scabs, and hit my head of stuff. I was so quiet and never was able to express what I felt, so I took out my anger and frustration on myself. Over the years it became worse and worse, I've tried the ice cube, and drawing but it makes me want to cut even more, it's definately hard to find something that works.

[xsullengirlx]

True, you have a point. I guess if it was a last ditch effort not to SI, then fine, but as long as those other coping mechanisms aren't used EVERY time to replace feelings, then it's probably not as unhealthy. :)

[leggsXinXaXtopXhat]

i agree those methods did not work for me at all.

the rubber band is an awful idea in my opinion.

and i have tried punching walls and other tings and that is in no way less harmful than cutting.

about this time last year i had to get x-rays of my hand because i was angry and trying to fight the urge to cut and should have just done some thing about what was making me angry.

[naah]

You're an inspiration to me. <3

[rainbowpagan]

it can be hard on alot of people on the hoildays also during winter for people that have depression during wanter it is called SAD Season Affitive Disorder

[MrAbstemious]

I love watching your videos.

Have u lost weight or what ? why do you seem different than before?

The only thing that works for me is good company of some friend... Loneliness triggers SI in my mind :)

[CrespinMinPin]

You wouldnt believe how much I needed this today. Anyways, Breathe, Sing, dance, have a warm shower, all good ways of delaying yourself if you want to self injure. But I dont know if I would go as far as to say that the coping mech (rubber band, ice, etc) arent good ways to help you. These ways arent going to kill you, compared to how dangerous SI can get. So for some, they may be the only way ATM to not go apeshit and really cut (maybe to much and to deep). Anything that can help is good

[vivalaleslo]

i agree with you that these therapists that say "draw on yourself" or "snap a rubber band" its just really bad advice! i never thought of it that way, i wondered why it never worked for me

the only thing thats ever worked for me is to draw, my drawings may be a little fucked up but its lets it out, but i'm not always in the mood to do that

lately self harm isnt working for me, i dont feel any better afterwards, i have to just kind of deal with the emotions, its hard

[MissChristyVera]

Thank you for pointing this out!!! Snapping yourself with a rubber band and ice is also self injury. They can cause harm. awesome video overall. xoxo

[Luv4Learning]

I thought this was an insightful video. I have learned that Trich is a form of SI, so I do have SI behaviors that I want to curb. Like you, I also believe that dealing directly with your feelings is the best way to heal and grow from your experiences. That's what I'm trying to do these days. It can be really tough at times, though. I feel like I want to hide from my feelings, but I remind myself this is the best way to improve myself.

[DeafRott]

drawing helps me alot

[chockyfancy]

1. Lay down and inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, and release

2. Draw something

3. Play my violin

4. Practice taekwando, kick and let it out

5. Call a friend and just go shopping

6. Sing, sing, and sing some more...

7. Take a warm shower, shave my legs, do my hair nice and try to feel good about myself

[dizzy0812]

I think its incredibly irresponsible for you to be making videos like this. Its one thing to share your experiences but its an entirely different thing for you to be giving advice or "condoning" coping mechanisms. I'm sure you've read books and such on the topic but these methods that you're saying will not work are often things that have been thouroughly studied and researched. Poor kids who see your videos and think their coping stratigies "aren't good"

[xsullengirlx]

Do you understand the point of this video? Obviously not. I am saying that self harming and doing behaviors that simulate self harm are not good coping strategies, they are unhealthy, and better ones (such as reading, drawing, talking etc) are better ways to manage feelings than hurting yourself. How in the world is that irresponsible? It would be irresponsible if I was telling people it was okay to cut themselves, which I am certainly not!

[xsullengirlx]

By the way, the strategies I do think are good, and the ones I don't think are good, mostly come from the exact treatment plan used at the only self-injury treatment center/program in the country, SAFE Alternatives. Read the book "Bodily Harm" if interested, it's not just MY opinion.

[itowedin]

I unsubscribed from you. How am I still getting your video's sent to me?

[xsullengirlx]

Maybe you need to double check that you did unsubscribe, and if you are still having issues, contact youtube customer service. If you need a contact e-mail let me know and I'll help you out.

[Jazzyizzy123]

I light candels and incense sticks too feel better and calmer when I get overwhelmed.

But unfortunately I also eat or drink beer...

It keeps me from cutting on the other hand I just get away from my feelings, I don't deal with them.

But actually I don't think that it helps to look at your sadness ( or whatever feeling you don't want to have) from different perspectives. It's there and it won't go away. There is nothing you can do it follows you.

[Scissorhands64]

I'm pettysure wasting good eggs isnt going to get me throo m self loathing Ill just be wasting eggs.

[xsullengirlx]

I agree, that's another reason why that strategy is just silly!

[Justinfhtube]

Would going to the gym or writing angry letters healthy ways to deal with your emotions?

[frostedsnowflakes]

Eat a smoothie every day with fruit.

[I8apoptart]

Yeah, I think so, When i am pissed or overwelmed Instead of Cutting agian I go for a REALLLLLLLY long walk untiill it gets Dark and than satop at a friends house for a ride home and feel better

[erinny2000]

4) Use positive self-talk, prepare for a situation that you know is going to happen and say things like "I am okay", positively reinforce yourself regarding the situation you are in-constantly if needed.

5) Keep a thought record of your thoughts in different situations, what you were doing and how you felt.

6) You can always call friends if things are really bad and if they're available. That's what friends are there for!

[erinny2000]

1) Hold an ice cube in your hand for a few seconds and it gets too cold drop it and pick it up with your other hand and do the same thing, keep doing it and switching hands.

2)Find a quiet space and think of 5 things you can see, hear, touch, go to 4 then 3, 2, 1, etc.

3) Write down things you like to think about and write down things you like about yourself and keep them around when thoughts get too overwhelming.

[erinny2000]

Hmm I guess I agree with you for the most part but sometimes there's nobody around to talk to and if you get an overwhelming urge to self harm holding an ice cube to your skin or something that's not too bad isn't that bad. I agree that some things aren't too good like the sharpie idea or the elastic band. I'll share some tips my therapist taught me when you feel anxious.

[jiwbfan1]

Hi, these are really good coping type mechanisms. My therapist had mentioned the rubber band and ice cube which I had tried and didn't work because it didn't feel the same. She didn't want me to use those "coping styles" but it was better than actually scaring my skin. Anyways, the last time I saw her and everything she had told me a different way to cope with writing down what I am feeling at the moment that I want to self injure. I actually have a way to make videos now so i'll respond in that

[MIYAVISCRAZYFERRET]

often if i feel anxiety i put on makeup and stare into the looking glass it makes me feel confident and beautiful

[xsullengirlx]

that's a really good tip, thanks for that :)

[sumkindawunnerful]

You're amazing! Thanks for this. ♥ Can't wait for part 2. You have a lot of really interesting things to say.

[BrokenWings94]

i did the rubber band thing and broke my skin

[maemoe420]

I mainly distract. Watch some funny DVDs, listen to some music, call a friend, take a hot bath. Of course these dont always help. Currently I am going into my second round of DBT and not very really good about it.

[Hoopybluefood]

Great video , I'm really struggling recently and cant wait for part 2 , Thanx .

[Amandah86]

No your not the only one I am too. I think its the hussle and busy times comming up to xmas. I gave in last night :(

[RhiannonShea92]

Thank you, your videos have helped me so much. When ever i feel like i can't cope i watch ur videos and i know im not alone :)

[BRONXPEPE]

i agree completely totally the winter brings the anxiousness and anger out of u. great video i can totally relate.

[xsullengirlx]

I have heard that from so many people! I hope to give some tips on how to manage that over the winter months especially in my next video. Take care and thanks for watching. :)

[BRONXPEPE]

yes and the winter totally is a pressure time of the year becuz of the holidays 1 if u dont have ur own family husband and children u see others with theirs it makes u not want to be around it cuz that is what ur seeking so i find myself thinking alot and getting lack of sleep my sleep schedule is all messed up. i try to do productive things to snape myself out of it and not get to drawn with in myself like i once did cuz its hella hard to get back up from that. xoxo

[DearFirebird]

as always, a great video.

thanks!

looking forward to the second part... :)

[xsullengirlx]

Thank you very much, I'll have the next video up within a week. :) Take care!

[AnnonymousSupports]

I've always admired you. You're very helpful and kind. :)

Take care and I hope you're doing well. :)

[xsullengirlx]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that. I hope you are doing well also. xo

[AVTPro]

You are so beautiful. Lady Gaga should take lesson.

Thank for the stress relief video. I'm happy that you are helping people LOVE their LIFE and GOODNESS OF LIFE.

[xsullengirlx]

haha, well thank you - I am flattered. :) You are very welcome, part 2 will deal with more stress and anxiety relief type remedies... It's important to me that people do appreciate the good life has to offer, even when at times it feels hopeless, there's always hope. :)

[andrewmanford]

another very helpful and informative video. thank you. greetings from british columbia

[xsullengirlx]

Greetings! Thank you for watching and for the compliment, much appreciated. Take care!