How can I stop self harm from taking over my life?

I am so sorry that you're going through. I've been a self-harmer but I have stopped and let me tell you IT IS POSSIBLE TO STOP. It is possible to not let it control you. It is hard, believe me I know. But you can. The first and foremost thing is to believe in the fact that you can stop it. Second is to to achieve the same feeling of relief you get when cutting but with other things such as for some people, it's exercising, getting involved into their work, more and dancing, singing etc. You need to find out what you like. It might be a sport, baking/cooking. And the most important thing is to work out the issue that makes you cut. People who cut are depressed and depression is a mental disorder. For that you need help. The main point is to replace the same feeling of relief but while doing something positive. Good luck to you. Take care.

I've dealt with this through trying to do things that help me become a better person. Self motivating little steps. Like self talking, singing, dancing, doing things you like.
When you feel like you want to hurt yourself, then busy yourself/make yourself busy.

The thing that has helped most for me has been simply being happier. Well, I say 'simply' - it's not at all simple really. It's been through a mixture of medication, talking therapy and regular exercise that I've finally found a way through this. I would urge you to get professional help first of all, and to supplement that with regular exercise (I know it sounds silly, but it really has helped me to feel better). Hopefully you'll find that as things become less dark you won't want to cut so much. That's how it worked for me, anyway.

Im sorry you're going through this, I know how hard it is to stop.. it becomes a habbit and like an addiction which is very hard to get out off. however IT IS possible. It takes time so don't rush any conclusions, just got to have the motivation that you want to stop, if you keep telling yourself that as simple as it sounds it will help. Everytime you feel like you are going to do it do something else take any thing could hurt yourself with away and talk to someone or do a hooby you enjoy, play a game or anything that will make you happy rather then think about doing that. Don't let it control your life try and make it better get out the habbit ive been through it I know how horrible and hard it is to do though. please do message me if want someone to talk too :)

I found using an alternative to cutting got me through it, it took a while but the duration I'd usually cut myself got longer each time, I've almost been clean for a year now. I used the elastic band method. Put one on your wrist, whenever you get the urge pull it. It'll hurt but there'll be no cut obviously. It's a hard habit to break but you will get there. :)