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Steps for Overcoming

Step #1: Acknowledge Christ as your primary source of help through:

Step #2: Decide to change your way of coping

Unless God does a miracle, it would be unrealistic to expect to change your habit in one day. God is well able and powerful enough to do so if He wants to, but there are times when He chooses to take a person through the “process” of change. One thing is certain according to Romans 6:18: As believers, He has set us free! The problem is that we have allowed the circumstances of our environment (problems) to take control of our minds. We begin to live life through our feelings instead of the spirit God has put in us. But, you CAN change.

Step #3: Decide to be honest with someone trustworthy

Talk to them and set up accountability.

If you go to someone and talk about the urge you get before you cut, it will help you reduce the distress you may be experiencing at the moment. Therefore, begin to build a network of godly friends that you can be honest with. They will support you during the difficult times. Above all, know that God is always there for you.

Step #4: Set up accountability

As you build your network of friends, you will need to help them help you by instructing them on what you expect from them and how they can be supportive for you. If you only want them to lend a listening ear to help you process what you are thinking and feeling, then you will have to let them know. If you want them to ask you specific questions when they see you, then tell them what questions you want them to ask. If you want them to pray for you, simply request it. If you need someone to be with you during the moments of “temptation,” let them know in advance so that they can know what to expect and how to help.

As you build this network of friends, remember that this is a battle that you can only win with the help of Christ. It is good to have friends that will help with emotional support, but you should not place all of your hope on them. Your full dependency should be on Christ alone. The body of Christ is available to pray with, confide in, and fellowship with, but remind yourself that they are not your Savior. They are there to support you and help you through this difficult time in life. Jesus is the one who will give you the strength you need.

Step #5: Put new skills into practice

In the past, whenever you felt the overwhelming sense of life’s problems, you may have dealt with them through cutting. If you want to stop hurting yourself, it will be vital for you to start practicing new coping skills to overcome the urge to injure yourself.

The following list of suggestions might help you to overcome that urge. Please be advised that not all of these suggestions will be helpful for everyone, as not all battles will be the same. So, what is helpful for one person may not necessarily be helpful for someone else.

During Times of Temptation

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