Try sqeezing an ice cube between you hands.
Try drawing on yourself on places you want to cut.
Go straight to the bandaging and skip the cutting step.

Hope these help.

i appreciate it. thank you lightriso

I have done everything possible to stop hurting myself. The only thing that finally helped me to stop was when I hit my knees and prayed. I had to over and over again trust what the bible says. That I am God's creation and He creates all good things. You are a good thing. It did not come easy. Like I said it was a process over and over again. He promises that he will help you get through this!

Isaiah 41:10, "Don't panic. I am with you. There is no need to fear for I am your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady and keep a firm grip on you."

I've been with out hurting/cutting myself for three years. I was not able to stop, but by his strength I did.

I will pray for you!

For the cutting i've done the ice, the rubber band snapping on the wrist, drawing with a red marker, etc.
I also do things to distract my mind, I zentangle as it uses different sides of the brain depending on whether your drawing in color or black and white and it can become very entrapping and you can get lost in it before you know it. I also love to color, Mandala's, Flowers, some of the more complicated Adult Color Books from Stores like Michael's.

It's not just about distracting your hands from cutting, if you can get your mind focused on something else, a thoughtful and thought-provoking activity, often you can take your mind off of the need to cut. Puzzles are also something I do.

It might help if you write your feelings down in a journal. You don't even have to read what you write after. It just might help you get your feelings out.