One of the DBT skills I've been working on is healthy distraction. While I don't have an issue using self harm as a relief mechanism, I fully understand it works but in an unhealthy way.
But I've been massively hurting inside and need a way to escape my consuming emotions. They permeate my entire being and fully take over. I am no longer a person, merely a vessel of pain.  How can I go on when my life's purpose is to feel more pain? It is overshadowing every aspect of my life.
So DBT offers new skills to manage this weight. I tried healthy distraction in the form of backpacking. It would have worked better with a partner but I am not that fortunate.
I found myself packing up camp in the middle of a mountain wilderness. A storm was moving in and I decided to head back a day earlier. Strong winds blew icy rain fell as I headed up the switchbacks. My body ached from the miles I hiked the day before. I wasn't prepared for the rain or drop in temperature. My shirt was wet with sweat from the exertion of carring a loaded backpack up to the pass yet the wind and cold were relentless turning my sweat against me causing my body temperature to lower. I had no gloves and my running shoes and pants were now soaked. I had 11 miles left to hike then a 4 hour motorcycle ride home in the rain. I felt like I had reached the limit of my ability to survive.
It worked. While most of the trip I cursed every step with the most violently vial language describing my emotional pain...when I reached the limit of physical survival I escaped my emotional pain. My mind went into physical survival mode. 
At my motorcycle, I had heated gloves in a waterproof pack. I just needed to make it there. The mountain road back to the highway was flooded and the temp was now 40F. Each deep fording drentched my shoes again. 2 hours in I headed over the most difficult mountain pass. Sunlight. I was going to make it home.
I entered with my last bit of energy to see my favorite person roll her eyes at me.
I said "sorry I'm alive"
Then I took the best hot shower of my life and drank myself to sleep in the garage. The mountains are calling and I shan't return. Wait, I have beautiful children and this was my 2 nights away per year that I get. I will make it another year for them.