healthy coping strategies?

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I am going to start this off by saying that i am currently self harm free for about 3 months but i need to find some better coping mechanisms because i don't know how much longer i can go without. I feel like every time i am sad it is my first instinct but lately i have been able to control it. I am not sure how much longer I can control it. I am reaching out to this forum to ask for better alternatives for dealing with suicidal thoughts that are positive as oppose to negative and self destructive.
a couple months ago i found myself acting not like myself at all. I was drinking, vaping, doing drugs, self-harming and even taking joints off of strangers in public. Now looking back at this i know it is not me, but i want to replace these ideas and negative coping mechanisms before i fall back onto them. If you have any suggestions of healthy coping mechanisms i would really appreciate it. I feel like i am falling back into my old habits, and some of them still to this day haven't left.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post,
cheers, blank

[Sophie_M]

Hi blank,  It sounds like you’re being really proactive, brave and open in sharing with the community.  There are a few things from our website we thought you might want to look at (if you haven’t already): 

• Our information pages on Self-Harm and Self-Injury have some strategies for in the moment, as well as longer term ideas for staying well. 
• Our Self Harm and Self Injury Factsheet includes strategies on finding other ways to cope, recognising triggers, and learning to change your focus. 
• Our pages on Staying Well are also a good place to go for resources on looking after yourself. There are sections on reducing and managing your stress levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, cutting back on alcohol and drugs, and taking action early if you start experiencing symptoms. 
• If you’d find it helpful to create a safety plan you may wish to check out our Beyond Now suicide safety planning app. Feel free to read about how it works and where to download it here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/beyondnow-suicide-safety-planning. 

Of course, none of this replaces the help of a health professional, so do look at the fact sheet for advice about getting that support if you don’t already have it. Remember you can always call us on 1300 22 4636 if you need to discuss this with a counsellor, or you could call KidsHelpline on 1800 55 1800, or Headspace on 1800 650 890. 

Feel free to update us on how you’re going, if you feel comfortable. It’s so good to hear that you’re reaching out and searching for healthy coping mechanisms.  Kind regards,  Sophie M