Ideas to help you not cut

by Ambreya Scarlett
(PA)

I used to cut when I was in high school. I am 25 now and have not done it since then. But I have to live with the scars. I just wanted to share some ideas to help others not cut. You need to find a different and healthy way to deal with your hurt.

1. Turn to God - Pray as often as you think of it. Whenever you want to cut, pray, read your bible, sing your favorite Christian music song, put in your favorite Christian artist's cd, or even sing Sunday school songs, you know like "Jesus loves me this I know!", whatever gets your mind off the pain you feel and onto GOD!

2. Talk about it - Talk to a trusted friend or adult. It's not wise to spread it around school so make sure if you go to someone your age they aren't going to share it with anyone. A really great idea is to talk to someone at your church, perhaps your youth group leader.

3. Relieve the stress - Excercise is a healthy way to relieve tension. Go for a walk or run, ride a bike, or dance to some music. If you have to physically relieve your stress make sure it is healthy, don't turn to something violent like punching walls or throwing things, because that will only cause you more problems. Go to a batting cage and hit some balls or throw small stones into a creek but never throw or hit things in your home or near other people. Find a good hobby that you enjoy that will take your mind off things. Whatever you do, keep in mind it's never a good idea to drive when you are very emotionally upset so make sure its something you can get to without doing that!

4. Remind yourself - Tell yourself, out loud, something that will make you feel better every time you want to cut, either a quirky saying or even a bible verse, like "I'm strong", (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." You can even write it out and post it on your mirror in your bedroom, or make a bracelet that says the verse or saying or something like "STRENGTH" or "WWJD?" to remind you when you are tempted to cut that you don't have to do it, you don't have to let it control you! You are stronger than this! I personally typed the verse Philippians 4:13 out and glued it onto hot pink paper and stuck it on my mirror to help me with cutting and any other problem I faced, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"