You have to remember that cutting or self harm of any kind is very much like an addiction. So these are normal responses.

Its important to have an arsenal of tools or coping skills, that you can use when you get to these points in time....because these become the things that keep you clean.

Breathing exercises, relaxation exercises and learning how to center yourself are very important, because they help you get rid of the anxiousness.

Personally, when i'm anxious or irritable about something I do a combo of relaxation and centering.

I turn on my sound machine, usually the ocean, very low. I sit on my bed, up against one pillow at the headboard, keep my back as straight as possible, in a comfortable position. From my head to my toes I start at the top and focus on relaxing each part of me, my head, my neck, my shoulders, arms, torso, hips, legs, feet....my hands just fall to the side.

My eyes are closed, my breathing is slow and steady, my mind is clear, I force out all thought, I then focus on the darkness, and I think of 1 colored bead, 1 small purple bead, I focus on it until I can see it in the darkness, I focus on that small piece of purple in the dark as it grows, bigger and brighter....that's my center, the place that keeps me calm, the place where I know that I have the power over me, I can do what I have to do to be the best me, and nothing has power over me.

Those are the thoughts that I slowly let come into my mind as I center myself and relax. Its usually about 15 minutes and when I open my eyes, I'm totally relaxed, totally calm and feel at peace.

It takes some practice, but if you can get yourself to be able to use breathing and relaxation and calming and centering exercises, they can help quite a bit.

One big thing, it to take any and all sharps out of your room/bathroom. Just having them where you can see them can be triggering...if you clear your space of them, then you're not thinking of them.

Take care,
Kat