@ryman @parus I have read this entire thread and found it so interesting to see how others view self-harming, PTSD, depression,etc. I have had severe bouts of depression several times, have gone through counseling, have had SSRIs prescribed at times, etc. For me, I find that self-harming can take several forms, and as parus said, not all are that visible. What has worked for me may not work for others. I try to journal in longhand, and took courses in graphology to analyze what was under the words. I do crafts to keep my hands and mind busy, creating something to donate, rather than diving into food/mindless eating/self destructive things. I go for walks and watch nature around me. Does it sound like distraction? Yep, it is. I need to get out of my own head, to not bring up nor dwell on past memories, and realize that the sun will rise in the east/set in the West today, tomorrow, and the next day. I have to take responsibility for myself, and tell myself constantly that I am worth taking care of, by whatever means needed, and what works for me is unique to me.