Urges Right Now

If danger feels high: /crisis-help-now

When an urge hits, your body can feel hijacked. This page is short on purpose: you only need one next step.

Safety micro-step (30 seconds)

Pick the safest available move right now:

  • Move toward a more supported / more public space
  • Put distance between you and anything you could use to harm yourself
  • Message/call someone to stay with you (in-person > phone > text)

Choose ONE urge skill (2–5 minutes)

Pick one—don't do them all.

A) If your body is in full alarm → TIP / TIPP

Fast body chemistry shift (temperature + paced breathing + muscle release).

B) If you feel "pulled" to act → Urge Surfing

Ride the wave for 2–5 minutes.

C) If your mind is bargaining → Pros & Cons

Write 4 boxes: Act on urge vs Don't act (short-term + long-term).

D) If you need a break from the pain → ACCEPTS / Distraction

Short-term distraction until intensity drops.

E) If you need comfort, not distraction → Self-Soothe

5 senses support.

A simple "delay contract"

Set a timer for 5 minutes and tell yourself:

"I can do anything after 5 minutes. For now, I surf the urge."

When the timer ends:

If you're dissociating, shutting down, or overloaded

Go to: Neurodivergent Overload

(Body-based skills can feel unsafe during dissociation; start with external grounding.)