How do you quit cutting? *MAY TRIGGER*

I have been self harming since childhood. I didn't start cutting until I was 14. I have gone through a period of time where I quit, but it never lasts. My girlfriend cannot stand when I do it. But I cannot quit. I'll go like a week or two and then do it again. I have significant scars on my arm. I have been hospitalized in the psych unit for this and other sorts of things. I am 24 and have been there about 25 times. No lie. For being suicidal or cutting. How do you make this viscous cycle stop?

I don't think there is any easy answer but a few people on here have managed to do it so they maybe able to give you their own stories. I haven't managed to break the cycle yet but been told by my therapist to celebrate small wins, set a goal of when I want to do it, maybe delay it for 5 mins. Then the next time delay a bit longer. I think it's impossible for me anyway when the urge is quite strong to stop completely. You need to write down all the times you've done well and delayed, try a bit longer and when you slip up don't punish yourself. It's all part of learning. Having days where you can do it and times when you can't. Hopefully the positive reinforcement you give yourself by writing down all the good times will help you keep it up. I'm in the process of trying it, so will let you know how I go. Good luck! Let me know how u go.

I self-harm as well and I get major urges to do it all the time but my doc said he would decrease one of the meds I want to get off if I don't self-harm so I'm aiming to stop so I can get the reward of being on less medication. I was in the DBT programme but I got stood down for self-harming and overdosing before the first year was up. I wish I hadn't done it but I can't take things back now. I like the adrenaline self harm gives you and seeing the blood come out and the yellow under the skin when you cut deep. I do want to stop eventually though.

It's largely like quitting smoking or something - you have to combine will-power and the physical part of the habit. First, I thought of why I wanted to quit. I'm around small kids, and I would hate to worry about them potentially seeing it and saying, what happened? It makes it clearer that I'm not healthy - I don't have sex until I've healed. Plus there's the possibility of being sent away if I'm caught at it again.

That's my motivation.

I've heard a lot of ways to stop. Some people hold ice cubes in their hands when they feel like cutting; some people snap themselves with a rubber band. I've also heard of using a red marker so you see the red and don't hurt yourself. You have to realize that there is a deeper reason for what you're doing and si doesn't solve anything, as much relief as you may feel.

You may find other stuff on the cutting and self-injury forum on this site. Just be careful not to trigger.