I'm scared if I tell someone I self harm, they'll think I want to commit suicide and send me to the hospital. Could this happen?
34 Answers
Last Updated: 09/29/2020 at 12:16pm
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Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Feeling depressed or anxious can be so overwhelming. I want to help you feel better and be able to enjoy life. You are not alone and you deserve emotional support.
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I don't self-injure ("cut") but I am an admin of a board which supports people who do.
My over-riding impression from that experience is that if you tell a health professional that you self-injure s/he will not send you to a hospital against your wishes.
Suicidal and self-injury are very different things. A health professional should be able to listen to you and offer you suggestions about self-injury but will not compel you to go to hospital unless s/he judges that you at risk of suicide.
It has definitely happened to me before, so you can plan out what you are going to say before you tell them. Make sure to include that you are not suicidal, and try your best to explain why you are self harming. Communication is key.
It would be normal for the person to be worried, especially if they love you. Usually people don't know much about self-harm, mainly because it's still something that's not being openly discussed enough. Because of this they may misunderstand. Remember also that they feel involved and are worried about loosing you, which does not really help to stay calm and lucid. What is important is that you reassure them and talk thoroughly about your problem. Stay calm and make them understand that you are telling them this because you want to be helped. Also, if you think they don't know much about self-harm, consider giving them something - a book, a website, etc - that explains well what it is and why people act that way.
Anonymous
November 13th, 2014 6:05pm
It can happen, but most of the time, people will ask questions first. If they think you're suicidal, then they might ask you. If they think so, and don't ask, then they might...
It could. You have to be clear about it and explain it. Not all self-harmers want to commit suicide, it's really just a way for them to cope with feelings. You just have to explain it to them.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 3:53am
It shouldn't. Self harming and suicide are very different things thats too often get linked together. People use self harm as a coping mechanism, they just need to be led in a better direction.
Honestly, it could happen. That is because they are unsure as to how to deal with the situation at hand and are just worried about your well-being. I feel like the reason behind self-harm is never a positive one, so getting some help could be very beneficial.
Anonymous
October 31st, 2014 2:52pm
By telling someone what you're going through, you're showing you know it's a problem and that means you'll be able to get better
You could see a school counsellor about it or your parents, they could always help and supports you.
Anonymous
August 25th, 2015 2:01am
Never be scared to tell someone that you self harm :) If you want me to give you some helpful sources for self harm, then I can do that :)
Oftentimes, people who don't understand or have experience with those who self-harm, will tend to automatically link self-harm with suicidal thoughts. I think to avoid an extreme reaction to telling someone, it's important to think about who you're telling and what the best way to tell them would be. You could tell them face-to-face, write a letter, or have a trusted friend/counselor tell them, and those are just some of your options.
This scenario could happen, but in all actuality it probably won't. Many people know at least one person who self harms, and they see that while it is dangerous behavior, it's not entirely a life or death situation. It always helped me to send them to a resource which explains self harm in a manner which presents itself for what it is to you. Make sure to put it in a way they understand.
Most likely not, some can think you will and want to be careful, but assure them you will not. It's good to consider reaching out and I assure you the sooner you do the sooner you get help.
Anonymous
November 8th, 2014 12:25pm
Self harm is a very serious thing to deal with & alot of people take it very seriously. Self harm is in the same category as suicide. Yes, it could happen.
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2014 7:26pm
not at all. it's just their first reaction out of a good place in their hearts. they want to see you get better and not see you be hurt. do not be scared. and don't be so defensive, everyone is there to genuinely help you. :)
If you self harm, we strongly suggest telling someone. Some people may take things radically, and it could happen, but on a very rare chance. The best thing to do is talking to a counselor.
Actually! it is possible if the person we are speaking to doesn't understand what the difference is... and the situation we are into.....
Yes, it could happen. However you have to think of it in their perspective. If they are scared your safe being they will. It really just depends on how you bring it up. After, ask yourself why it is you need to self harm
There is a possibility. You should tell someone that you trust such as a doctor so they can get you the help ypu need. :)
Anonymous
October 31st, 2014 8:43am
yes because they care about you but if you sit down and talk with them then they should understand
This could happen but that is not a problem because they just want to help you and are showing you that they are there for you
Anonymous
July 13th, 2015 11:14am
It's a possibility, people aren't always understanding about things that they are unfamiliar with. The key thing is communication if you explain your feelings they are going to be more aware of how you feel. If you tell someone it is the first step to recovery so you are probably moving away from the idea of committing suicide and if you communicate your feelings, people are going to there to help you.
Anonymous
June 22nd, 2015 8:46pm
Yes this can happen. Instead of coming right out to someone who is ignorant to what you're feeling, I suggest going to see a counselor.
Anonymous
May 14th, 2015 7:03pm
It is a risk. There are people out there who care for you and want the best for you. Self harming isn't a good coping mechanism, so they'll be concerned.
Yes, this is one outcome that can happen. However, most people will not do that. Most people will do their best to measure your safety and asses if that's what you need. Try to remember that most people who self-harm are not doing it with the intention to die. Though, if you're at a high risk they (a friend a medical professional) may advise you to go to the hospital. Most of the time they'll want you in good therapy getting the help you deserve to have. You got this, recovery is yours :)
They will not send you to a hospital unless your injuries to yourself can severely harm you. But, they will be concerned and try to do things to help you. They might take you to a doctor or therapist to talk to someone about getting antidepressants. Whatever happens, it will be done out of concern and care for your happiness, life, and well-being. It will be done out of love. I think you should curb your fear of results, and tell someone about your self harming issues. It really does help!
It could happen - yes. It isn't very likely that it will though. It depends on how often you cut and the reasons. Although, if you are suicidal, you will most likely need to seek more help and go to a mental hospital of a therapist.
Anonymous
May 28th, 2015 6:39am
Not exactly, they will try to help you and maybe you'll see counselor who will also try to help you
A reaction like this would be only because the person is worried about you,however it is important to talk about this and try to come up with other solutions. Whoever you choose to talk to will want to try and help you and sometimes you need that other hand to support you and lift you up.
No, of course not. The only way that would happen if a professional is really concerned about your safety. Letting someone aware of you self harming will help you get the support you need, whether it is meeting with a professional at times or having the right people around to help prevent this.
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