You don’t have to self-injure, even if you really want to. Click the picture below for a wave animation:

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Distract yourself

Do something else while you’re waiting for the waves to crash. Try to give it 15 minutes. Here are some things you can do while you wait:

	Turn on the TV, play video games, listen to music, dance, sing
	Get some air. Go for a walk and take deep breaths.
	Find a piece of paper and rip it into tiny pieces.
	Squeeze a piece of clay or Play-Doh
	Play sports

	Draw or paint. Try to bring your feelings come to life on paper. Use red ink or paint, or any other colour that looks like your feelings.
	Lie down. Curl up someplace safe under a soft blanket.
	Do some breathing exercises
	Call a friend or family member
	Talk to yourself. Say, “I don’t want to hurt myself.”