Stop Self-Harming and Start Believing

Take a minute to put down the ‘Last Minute Shopping List’ and close your eyes. Try to push away the crazed voices of those around you who are probably just as busy and annoyed as you are during this time of year. Picture a moment from your past – a positive moment. Maybe this moment has a warm fireplace or a big tree or holiday music. Maybe you’re picturing a snowball fight or a night snuggled up with friends drinking hot chocolate.

Feeling a little bit more relaxed? You allowed yourself to escape the stressors and believe in the good of this time of year.

Stopping Self-Harm Difficult During Winter

Winter can be a season of struggle – end of semester classes, family gatherings, weather trouble, money problems. It makes sense that anxiety and depression tend to increase during this time of year. However, just because some issues are at an all-time high, it doesn’t mean that self-harm should be too.

Even though winter was the roughest time of the year when I was struggling with self-harm, I’ve now come to see the good in the season. In truth, I’ve come to really enjoy winter (besides icy streets, I can do without that). I like waking up and seeing snow falling from the sky. I like wearing sweaters and scarves and boots.

It makes for great writing weather and, luckily, that’s my number one coping skill.

Don’t Be A Scrooge - Embrace the Holiday

With Christmas upon us, many people have a hard time enjoying the little things. Like I said in my last blog, the negatives of the holiday season can overpower the positives. When the negatives take control, it is time to stop, close your eyes, and picture yourself somewhere else.

Instead of listening to arguing families ahead of you in line, listen to the holiday music playing in the background of the store. When the person you have a crush on doesn’t wish you a Happy Holiday before leaving for vacation, don’t take the frustration out on yourself – turn the radio on full-blast all the way home and sing your heart out. When the wrapping paper just won’t fit around the gift, stop, make some hot chocolate and come back when you think you’re in a safer place. If it’s the holiday music that really get’s you angry, make an anti-holiday playlist to listen to.

Hey, if it works, it works.

There are many safe self-injury alternatives to reach for instead of reaching for a razor or scissors or a bobby pin this holiday season. (Also read: Alternatives to Self-Harm and Healthy Alternatives to Self-Injury) The most important part of the holiday is to believe in yourself and the strength you have to move safely into the New Year. Believe that by being safe, Santa will bring you positivity this Christmas.

And who wouldn’t want a stocking stuffed with positivity and good self-harm coping skills?

You can also find Jennifer Aline Graham on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and her website is here. Find out more about Noon through Amazon.com.