| Help for family and friends |
| You're confused. Someone whether friend, sibling or child has confessed that they've been hurting themselves intentionally. You want to be there for this person, but you don't know where to start. You're searching for answers to hard questions. Why? How? Is it my fault? I can't answer those questions for you, but I can try to give you a little help in how to deal with someone who struggles with SI. |
| *Educate yourself. There are lots of resources online about SI. Learn what you can about it. *Be honest with yourself how SI makes you feel. Keep these feelings to yourself unless they ask you. *Don't tell anyone else unless they've asked you to. If you are under obligation to tell someone else make sure they understand that first. *Be supportive without enabling them to continue. *Don't avoid the subject, but also respect their privacy if they don't want to talk about it. *Be available while setting reasonable limits. *Make it clear that they don't need to hurt themselves to get your attention. *Check up on them by calling or emailing. Not even asking about SI, but just to let them know you're their friend. *Do not give ultimatums. Such as "stop cutting or I will..." They don't work. *If this is possible, ask the person to stay the night at your house. Give them a "safe place" to come. *Try everything you can within reason to not let them cut when you're with them. *Don't tell them to "get over it". SI is serious and addictive. They need help and pushing them off is only going to make it worse. *If they call you be willing to listen. |
 |
 |