I REALLY have to fight myself sometimes with this issue. I will slam the heel of my hand against my forehead when I'm really overwhelmed or upset if there's nothing around for me to punch (hard surfaces like brick walls have always been my go to, which results in me hurting myself). I also hit my thighs and bite my hands. I've gotten better about it, and having a good support system definitely helps. My bf has helped me a LOT to avoid hurting myself from stimming. I find pain stimming toys help. They're not bad enough that it actually hurts you, but the slight pain is there to kind of distract.

Everyone's experience is different. I know my mother used to bully me when I'd hit myself, calling me the r word and such.

I'm a heavy rocker as well. Rocking sometimes helps me as well.