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My best friend wont stop self harming. What do I do now..?

7 Answers
Last Updated: 12/29/2020 at 1:25am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
July 16th, 2018 11:40am
It's not that easy to stop self harming, people can self harm for a variety of reasons, maybe if you can find out why they're doing it, you could help them by using why they're doing it and think of ways that can help or support them while trying to get them to have professional help, self harming isn't easy to stop whenever the persons on they're own so finding out why they're doing it, will make it easier for you and them as you can support them more and try helping them the best you can.
Anonymous
December 11th, 2017 10:03pm
See if your friend will speak to you about it, if they will discuss their triggers with them. Then suggest some healthier coping mechanisms they could try, or you could do together such as going for a walk or watching a film. If nothing you can do helps, ask them to speak to a professional. Remember that self harm is a coping mechanism, and they may find life even more difficult if they don't use it. Always look after yourself and make sure you get the help you need.
peacefulAngel33
January 1st, 2018 4:30pm
You should try and convince her to go and see a professional therapist, but if she refuses to go or it would be dangerous for her to go (As in, her family wouldn't be happy about it) make sure that you can be a shoulder for her to lean on and support her through her problems. Keep her away from all sharp objects, and make sure that you are almost always with her.
Anonymous
February 12th, 2018 9:32pm
When you find out someone close to you is self harming it can be quite stressfull and worrying but it's important a quiet word with your friend and tell her that you are here for her and maybe you could persuade her to talk to someone but you should never forse someone to talk to someone unless you fear they are in danger
Havingfuninthesnow
March 2nd, 2018 5:06am
Support the person and get the person help.
Anonymous
July 28th, 2020 11:32am
Try to understand why she feels the need to do so. Based on the severity of the situation try recommending professional help. Get her to engage in activities that she enjoys so as to improve her overall mental state and offer to help in any way you can to cheer her up. She is clearly struggling and needs to know that you are there for her. Actively listen to her problems and comfort her. They are your best friend and if you think you can advice them in a way that would help them, do that. Otherwise ask them to talk to someone they trust or seek professional help.
octopuses
December 29th, 2020 1:25am
Show them compassion and ask them if there is a pattern of something that triggers them to self harm. Is there a certain emotion or situation they experience that makes them feel the desire to self-harm? Like do they self-harm when they feel anxious, depressed or lonely, or after talking to an abusive parent, etc... Ask them if there is anything you can do for them. Being a listening ear can mean a lot to them. You can also keep them company so they don't feel lonely if they desire it. When someone is prone to self-harm, you can suggest they keep a frozen orange or a knotted wet towel in the freezer. Peeling the orange when it is frozen is something you can do instead of self-harming; the scent is supposed to be calming too. Unknotting the frozen towel is another replacement activity.