How can I tell my friends or family that I self-harm?
ChaiChelsea
on
Sep 14, 2014
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Choose a time that your family/friends are not busy & seem calm/stress-free, so it'll be a time that you know they'll be most receptive. Make sure that you feel as calm as possible as well. Tell them you'd like to share a very personal and sensitive matter and ask if it would be a good time to talk. Prepare links or print-outs beforehand that help describe your situation; you can also use these as a way to start the talk or back you up. You could also try to tell them in a letter and then give them the letter--preferably in person--if you feel more comfortable writing about it than talking about it.
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laura4060
on
Oct 28, 2014
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When I was younger, I sat my mom down one night and just told her straight up that I self-harmed and that I wanted help. Don't feel pressured to tell anyone, but please get help.
neverletlifetakeyourspark
on
Nov 13, 2014
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For me, my friend asked me how my weekend was. I said that I'd show her. We went into the school bathroom, and I pulled up my sleeves and showed her. Yes, it was very hard and my anxiety levels were off the chart. Yes, we all cried our eyes out. But it was best.
Just simply tell them.
Anonymous
on
Nov 4, 2014
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If it's hard to say it face to face, maybe you could tell them with a letter? I did that and i worked out all fine. Hope you'll feel better soon.
Anonymous
on
Oct 24, 2014
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First things first, take a moment to consider how they will react. What is the best scenario you can think of? And the worst one? What is what most probably happen? Make a plan or establish some ways to cope with each posible scenario. With that done, sit down and slowly (at your own pase) let the words come out. Express to them what you feel and what is going on. Be honest, with yourself and with them. If you can be patience, often its not always easy to grasp what goes on in someone else's head. Let them know what you need/want through this and how they can be supportive. If you don't know how to open up or want to practice a posible dialogue you can always reach out to a listener and let them know what you are considering and how they can help you in dealing with this situation.
fromthesea
on
Nov 9, 2014
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If you have any friends that selfharmed themselves, you can tell them first because the so-called doorstep is lower for you to tell them, because you can know they'll understand. Then you can move on to other friends. I'm sure they'll try to help you the best they can. The same thing for your family. You don't have to tell everyone though, you can tell the people you trust the most.
helpfuldot
on
May 7, 2015
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When I told my parents that I had been self harming I found it easier to write a letter to them, and then try and talk about afterwards and answer questions they may have. It was scary, but I was glad I did it
theforestfawn
on
Sep 8, 2015
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Perhaps it would be easiest to write a letter, email or even a little text to the people you are closest too and trust the most or maybe you could tell your parents that you are struggling and need to tell them something. I think it's like getting into cold water; you need to do it quickly without thinking. Your family and friends will understand. Don't worry!
FantasticMaybe
on
Sep 28, 2015
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From personal experience I can tell you, telling someone is the hardest part. The anxiety and fear of not being accepted or being judged can become overwhelming.
I'll be honest though. Once you tell someone, it becomes 100x easier. You now have people who support you and will help you.
Id recommend starting with a close family member or friend you trust. Tell them you have been struggling and that you need and/or want help. When you're ready, they can even help you tell other family members or friends you are more hesitant to tell.
Anonymous
on
Oct 10, 2016
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You just have to be straight about it, just get your mom or dad or anyone around a table and tell them you need help because you self-harm. Or just text them if it makes you super anxious to tell them face-to-face. It's not going to be an easy task but I guarantee you will feel better after you tell them.
daisydee
on
Sep 23, 2014
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Approach them when you feel most comfortable, when you feel you're all at ease. Be serious and open.
FlowerInDisguise19
on
Apr 11, 2015
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You can express to them in a letter what you gotta say to them and hand it to them when you're ready to tell them if youre not ready to say it face to face, I know it can be hard. Otherwise, if youre up for it, you can always try practicing in the mirror what youre going to say to friends/family when you tell them and be mindful what their reactions may be and be ready for it. Stay strong remember! :)
Anonymous
on
Sep 17, 2018
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Telling someone you self harm can be extremely scary but it's a good step towards healing as it's always great to have some support â¤ï¸Choose someone you trust, practise what you want to say privately first and then just talk to them â¤ï¸ Sometimes it's easier to start with a letter and then speak to them in person. In the beginning don't share graphic details that might scare them and also be prepared for them to ask questions as it is likely this will be unexpected and they might be shocked and may not understand it at first.
KatieTrancy
on
Oct 24, 2014
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This one is never easy, but the best thing to do would to be tp sit them down and tell them striaght forward dont try to sugar coat it or anything
JuwelKendallMaySkittles
on
Oct 31, 2014
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Telling a family member or friends that you self harm is a tough thing to do. You just have to tell them so you can get then help you need.
optimisticHeart11
on
Nov 3, 2014
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The best way to tell your loved ones about your problem is to be mature, calm, and patient. You need to tell them directly, without beating around the bush, and be prepared for them to freak out a little. It's a big deal, although it may not seem like it to you. But you have to stay calm and rational, help them understand that you have a problem and you need help. Also, before you tell someone, make sure you know that they will be respectful and that they won't use this information against you.
Anonymous
on
Jul 21, 2015
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It may help to tell a trusted parent first, then the rest accordingly, because the reaction will probably be worse if they just find out rather than them being told.
KayyRose
on
Jul 4, 2016
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Sit them down in a place that you're comfortable in and tell them that you've been having some problems with your emotional state which led to the want and/or need to self harm.
greatfulGrace21
on
Aug 16, 2016
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Well think about who to tell specifically and how they would react. It's a good thing to find help
Anonymous
on
Aug 29, 2016
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It might be helpful to wait until you feel safe/comfortable in a situation and then tell them that you would like to discuss a serious topic and hope they can keep an open mind and that you are looking for help.