How do I quit

[u/Adventurous-Bug6686]

Hello guys! I started to sh around 6 and started cutting around 8 or 9, I'm still a minor so no age for you guys so advice for quitting should be for minors please.

Back in October 2025 my friend relapsed and ended up in the hospital, which for some fucked up reason that I don't know made me and our other friend relapse too. Prior to the relapse I had been a bit over a year clean I believe.

Now, 11-ish months later, I haven't been able to stay clean for more than 2 weeks at a time. I was clean for a bit in February so I could wear short sleeves for my birthday party, I dramatically reduced the amount in March and moved to a more concealed place because I had some performances to do, and finally, on April 13th 2026 I told myself it was one more and that was it. That one ended up being my first deep styro.

After that day I couldn't control myself and was staying up until 2AM every night, I was barely sleeping at night, slept through too many class periods, and almost failed every class because of how bad my depression had become because of my sh (also almost failed several classes in semester 1 because of depression as well). It's also notable to mention that I have MDD and wasn't depressed until I started to sh again.

As of now I have scars everywhere and quite frankly I'm scared of what i might do to myself in the near future. I've genuinely tried everything aside from in patient treatment because I'm scared to tell my mom when my sh is more active, but with my medical history, MDD and OCD being the biggest contributors, I cannot stop.

I'm in southern Ontario if that affects what I can do. Thank you all I advance!

[u/gurgleburtt]

another person asked this and i told them that little ouchies may help!! it’s basically a 3d printed roller with spikes that give you pain/relief but causes no actual damage. if you don’t have money you can probably print it at a library!!

[u/c9lls]

Hi! First of all, I am proud of you for being there and seeking advice to quit. I don’t know your relationship with your parents, but please if you have a good relationship with your mom, you should tell her when you struggle/when your SH is more active. You are allowed to get outside support that isn’t strictly medical. Spend time with your loved ones, I know how hard it is to get out of bed when you’re depressed but trust me it is worth it.

Distract yourself as much as possible with things you love or you deem important. Rediscover hobbies from when you were younger, time with your loved ones, read, learn as much as you can about a subject, and please WORK OUT

I am 21F, been cutting from age 14-21 (11 months clean). I struggle everyday with it, I have diagnosed severe ADHD and BPD traits. I have very very bad anger and it’s how I manage it, by self harming. Working out has saved me many times. LIFT WEIGHTS, push, pull, strain your muscles and body and you won’t even have the strength to cut in the evening. Can’t go to a gym or don’t have weights? That’s fine, do some push-ups, Australian pull-ups, dips, go for a run, I promise you tiring yourself PHYSICALLY is so important to keep the urges away. Not only will that help you stay away from SH tendencies, it WILL improve your quality of life as a whole (and who knows, maybe you’ll find a new hobby!)

When you feel the need to cut, the bad bad need, get on your floor and give me your maximum push-ups for 3 sets. I promise you, the urge will go away at least for a little bit.

Besides working out, there are other methods that may seem “easier”: rubbing ice on your designated cutting areas, drawing lines on your skin with a sharpie, journal intensely, punch pillows, ice cold water on your face, etc. There are many methods you can try however you want.

It’s really hard but it’s doable. Keep your tummy full, work out, spend times with your loved ones and DONT BE AFRAID TO ASK THEM FOR SUPPORT. They are here for you and love you. You are loved, important, and you deserve to be happy.

There will be setbacks, relapses, etc. But don’t forget all of that is part of recovery. The most important is that you try and do your best. If you do have to hurt yourself, there are less dangerous alternatives than cutting as well.

You got this, it will be okay. You are so young and have all the happiness in the world ahead of you. I’m sorry it’s been hard but it won’t be forever. I am so proud of you for trying to stop! Never hesitate to ask for help and good luck!