then dont go into details were you going with this paragon????maybe do something else thats takes stress away. take a walk or put music on and dance around house.

I am on meds. I take lamictal.

SI is usually a way to replace emotional pain with physical pain to release chemicals that make you feel better. If you are in therapy, they can help you with that and in finding healthy ways to vent your emotional pain. Finding things that excite you doesnt usually help because the act isnt about excitement its about release. I find that agressive exercise helps alot or exertion that makes me sweat. For now, try the rubber band trick, it works for immediate relief. Hugs

Sweetie, this is very confusing..........you just said you were bipolar but not on medication. Now you are on medication..............I would call your pdoc asap and get some advice. It is so difficult to help someone if we are not sure what is going on.

Oops I meant to say I'm bipolar and on medication.

Do you have anything to take for anxiety? That might help get you through this.

shelly, I didn't realize you were a cutter. Perhaps this broader view could help you also.
Aligator, while snapping a rubber band mat give a sight twinge of a sensation, to me it would be like pinching yourself, same idea.
Like an alchaholic taking a swig of cough medicine instead of a shot of whiskey.
The idea is you are looking for a rush. Same as "release".
Jumping out of an airplane would stimulate someone in a certain way and release feel good chemicals. So does sex! Didn't want to suggest that as I do not know your personal situation.
My thought are to find a new outlet that will excite and stimulate you.
It is true even excercise will produce the chemicals. But it hardly has that special, forbidden excitement as something g like cutting may have.
U said peircing, how bout Tatoo? But seriously, if u can find something even better like parachuting, bungie jumping,
Karate class... Idk. I realize these things cost money. But hopefully
You get my point. You really want to replace it, not substitute a more minor fix, that may only wet your appetite for it.

Good luck allegator, u can do it.

Great ideas Mary........now she just needs to figure out how to jump out of an airplane 10 or 20 times a day. The rubber band theory is tried and tested by those who actually struggle with SI. It works for purposes of "replacing" the urge. Exercise helps stimulate the endorphines necessary to relax and if done on a regular basis it can also help. The only true therapy is actual talk therapy to discover your cause for wanting to self injure.

Just a side note.........I am not a cutter but I am a self injurer. Desire is everything, the actual release we use varies.

Ice cubes work for me.

I take two huge handfuls and squeeze until the ice turns to water. After doing this I am either relaxed or sleepy. I'll sleep off the desire.

I was a bit confused also as you did say that you were not on Meds. Cutting is very hard for me to understand and it seems to a very serious condition. I don't understand why you need to do something that is going to hurt you. LIke others said perhaps there are other things that you can take part in. I hope that you are participating in therapy. When you get the urge to cut is there something else that you can do to take your mind off it?