Help Coping mechanisms, Self-harm vs Gambling

[SecretDissociation]

Okay, so, i've always found it hard to use other 'safe' coping mechanisms, especially ones that aren't risky. Not because they're risky, but because they aren't as intense. For instance, self harm (cutting, mostly or overdosing sometimes) has pain and blood and more pain, and I like the aftercare and taking care of myself afterwards, it's weirdly therapeutic. And gambling, man as long as I keep putting money into my gacha games, i'll basically keep winning.

Now, i need money for food and stuff so uh, you know, I can't keep gambling??? So I'm going to self-harm soon because my mood is tanking and I can't keep trying to partially hang myself because I just end up with rope burns on my neck, and I already have self-harm scars on my neck.

Now, does anyone have any high-risk coping mechanisms? I can't do sports because I break out into hives and because I have an eating disorder and it just leads to me self-harming anyway, and I'm currently doing exercises set by this physiotherapist and i'm in more pain than before (different story). So, what works for you guys? I've tried journalling and I just do that along with self-harming, and talking to people online, and ice, and chewing ice, and cold showers (i take them anyway and im autistic and i dont like getting wet spontaneously so that's not a very balanced coping mechanism) and i've tried muscle relaxation, and meditation, paced breathing, and the rubber band method, and riding the wave, and checking the facts, and rationalising and intellectualising (which is actually part of the problem).

So, is there ANYTHING ANYTHING more I can try???

 

[timf]

That you can identify your behaviors as coping strategies is a good first step. By the way, eating disorders might also be considered a coping strategy. A gamblers anonymous meeting might give you access to others who have found ways to reduce their need for this stimulation. The use of stimulation to avoid anxiety can lead to addictive behaviors. You might want to experiment with a small corner of your life to try to find real control that can overcome anxiety. Thius might open a door to getting real control over your life and decrease the need for distracting sensations.

 

[SecretDissociation]

That you can identify your behaviors as coping strategies is a good first step. By the way, eating disorders might also be considered a coping strategy. A gamblers anonymous meeting might give you access to others who have found ways to reduce their need for this stimulation. The use of stimulation to avoid anxiety can lead to addictive behaviors. You might want to experiment with a small corner of your life to try to find real control that can overcome anxiety. Thius might open a door to getting real control over your life and decrease the need for distracting sensations.

Thanks! i've always been able to identify my behaviours and what they compensate for. It's less anxiety, and more like anhedonia, I can't really carry joy so I need something to bring me some type of emotion or feeling! I'll read up on some forums related to gambling and such and see what I find! thanks