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Tips for Distraction

Before Acting on Anything:

• Wait at least 15 mins; count to 1000

• Focus on other things, e.g. deep breaths, take a shower, read a book, eat or drink something, listen to calming music, spend time with your pet, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, watch a film, or go for a walk

• If feeling numb: hold an ice cube, take a bite of something strong or sour, e.g. lemon, chilli, strong peppermint

• If you need to release tension: exercise, punch a cushion, squeeze a ball, rip up used paper or a magazine, play an instrument loudly

• If you're thinking about cutting, do this instead: draw on your skin with a red marker where you would normally cut; rub ice cubes where you would normally cut; place rubber bands on your wrists, arms, or legs, and flick them instead of cutting.

• Read or recite a prayer, a quote, or a poem that is meaningful to you

• Name your feelings: You can do that on YourCrew by checking-in

• Write it down:
  Write in your private diary on YourCrew
  Do a 'long' check-in on YourCrew

 Resources:

See Professional and Urgent Help for a list of services with live phone numbers and links

See Pathways to Help - guides you through to help

A-Z links:

• Suicide

• Self-Harm

 Links and phone numbers throughout this site are live; tap to access.