Explains self-harm, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.
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Under 18? We have information for you on how to support a friend or partner who's struggling
Whether someone tells you directly, or you suspect that someone is hurting themselves, it can be difficult to know what to say and how best to approach the situation.
You might feel shocked, angry, helpless, responsible or any number of other difficult emotions.
There are lots of things you can do to make a difference to someone you know who self-harms. Your attitude and how you relate to them is one of the key things that can help them feel supported. Here are some things to keep in mind:
"Having friends I could ring up and talk to about everyday things gave me some respite from the despair."
Sometimes, even with the best will in the world, attempts to support someone can backfire. Here are some potential pitfalls to watch out for:
Although it often isn't, self-harm can sometimes be a person's way of asking for attention. If so, it is important to remember that there is nothing wrong with wanting attention, and that deep distress can get in the way of someone's ability to be direct about what they need.
Supporting someone who is self-harming can be a long process with many ups and downs. Taking care of yourself will enable you to stay involved for longer and to keep well. See How to cope when supporting someone else for more information.
Helpful things to put in place are:
It is common to feel scared about the possibility of someone seriously hurting themselves or even taking their own life. While it is understandable to have these fears, it is useful to remember that self-harm doesn't necessarily mean that someone wants to end their life.
There are, however, a small number of people who do go on to take their own lives, either intentionally or accidentally. It’s therefore important to have an honest conversation with your friend or family member about staying safe – for example, being aware when things are getting too much and knowing when to seek help.
See our pages on coping with suicidal feelings and the Samaritans website for more information.
This information was published in May 2020. We will revise it in 2023.
References and bibliography available on request.
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