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Substitutes for the Cutting Sensation

You'll notice that all the tips in the lists above have nothing to do with the cutting sensation. When you have the idea to self-injure, start by trying the ideas on those lists — such as making art, walking your dog, or going for run.
If they don't help, move on to the substitute behaviors shown below.
These substitute behaviors won't work for everyone. They also don't help people get in touch with why they are cutting. What they do is provide immediate relief in a way that doesn't involve cutting, and therefore holds less risk of harm.

• rub an ice cube on your skin instead of cutting it
• wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it gently against your skin
• draw on the skin with a soft-tipped red pen in the place you might usually cut

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