I NEED new coping mechanisms :(

[Silme Lor]

My roommates saw my scars and are now staring at my arms every second.
School is so stressful.
I want to SI really really badly.
But if I SI, I'll start binge drinking.
If I start binge drinking I'll lose sight of school and fail.

Arrrgh.

I desperately need some; newly away from home, at a huge stressful school, living with people who don't understand, coping mechanisms.

Does anyone have any suggestion?

...please

[strmdncr]

There is a list somewhere on bus, I can't remember which section although I think perhaps coping called something along the lines of "scarily vast list of things to do". Unfortunately it is late and my brain is not working as well as I would like to remember things. Beyond that is there someone in your life that knows about this that you can talk with by phone? Maybe talking with a school or community counsellor, not even necessarily about the self injuring part but about the stresses of being away from home and all? Possibly being direct with your roommates - asking them if they are wanting to know something about your scars or even just the next time they notice come up with something unexpected such as 'have you ever worked in a feral cat rescue?' I hope you are able to find something that works for you.

[amyfairy]

http://buslist.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=34500

[SplinteredGirl]

mine ended up being drawing. of corse, i couldnt draw (at all) ayt first. so i began tracing pictures. and i would get really into making them"perfect"(this kept my hands busy) . soon i was able to draw eyes, and tripppy shapes, and eventually now i draw faces and use bold colors. i picked up a blank page sketchbook and started filling it up with pencil drawings and pencil crayones and paint and magazine clippings. pretty soon i had quiote the hobby to distract myself with and i made deals with myselflike,
i wasnt to SI now, but not til im done filling this entire page, ect.
which works for me, making small deals with myself

[Understand]

The list is a good resource
Recently I've started having a long bath every few days with Lush products. The bath bombs are really calming and great for the skin, and I find it harder to cut if my skin is looking or feeling much nicer. It might do the same for you, and theres lots you can choose from to help scars.