What can I do to avoid the urge to self-harm?

There are different strategies to try to avoid the urge to self-harm . Not all of them work the same, since the triggers and motivations are different for each person, but some of these strategies are:

• Take a shower. The change of scenery, the change of situation, and the calming effect of the hot water will help you change your mood and break out of the loop.
• Call a friend and go for a walk, exercise , or do any other activity that requires you to be physically active.
• Put on your favorite music and start dancing.
• Take deep breaths .
• Tear up papers, make pieces as small as you need.
• Always keep a stress ball handy that you can squeeze.
• Rub your skin with an ice cube.
• Make a list of the positive aspects of your personality and your abilities . Ask those closest to you, your family and friends.
  Once you have the list, put it in your room in a very visible place and refer to it whenever you need to.