If they found out...

[Megson]

How do you prepare for all the possible reactions someone might have? I'm terrified that, if either of my parents find out about my SH, they'll have a freak-attack. What if they scream at me and treat me like a mental patient? Or what if they treat me like I'm broken?

I've tried so hard to convince myself I'm not crazy. "I'm just coping in my own, very specific way," I tell myself. I don't want people to treat me like I should be locked in a mental health hospital.

Another thing, there's NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING I hate more than being looked down on. For people to think that I can't handle myself, or that I'm weak, or that I need help. I DON'T need help.

[StoppingTime]

Just by posting this, you're looking for help. If you won't accept to call it help, then advice. Regardless of the language, the intent is the same. You want others to see this and react.

Anyway, there is no way you can tell how they're going to react. It's the same about almost anything.
If you're worried about them finding out, then there's only one way you can eradicate that fear entirely. To stop. Of course, this doesn't have to be done all at once, but I hope you are at least considering it for some time in the future. Because you can't have SH keeping you down all the time. Nobody really can.

[LouBerry]

If you are doing that to your self, you are broken. And there a ninety percent chance that it is a mental problem. So, maybe you do need to seek help from a parent, even if you are afraid of the reaction. Just remember that they love you, and their reaction is based on fear and the fact that they do not understand. If you let them know, or they find out themselves, assure them that you want help and let them know why you do it, what makes you feel that way so that they can help.

[xXJust Jump ItXx]

If you are doing that to your self, you are broken. And there a ninety percent chance that it is a mental problem. So, maybe you do need to seek help from a parent, even if you are afraid of the reaction. Just remember that they love you, and their reaction is based on fear and the fact that they do not understand. If you let them know, or they find out themselves, assure them that you want help and let them know why you do it, what makes you feel that way so that they can help.

Well if someone cuts or self harms its not always caused by a mental problem and there isnt always one. Many people cut or SH as a coping method. But I cant say that about myself... Being I have depression. And youre family will react Im sure, and as LouBerry said, its out of fear and well its nothing to be happy about... But its better to tell them so you can get help to stop. They are your family and they should love you and help you over come it.

[Bastille]

Parents find it difficult dealing with things like this... when my parents found out about it; they were so upset and shocked as I seemed so happy. They DID treat me differently but strangely enough, they didn't freak out. They ask how I am and are pretty understanding but my friends parents just don't trust her anymore since they found out.

You're not weak and you don't need locked in a mental health ward, you just need someone to talk to and to open up to. If that's a parent, friend or just someone online, it does help, trust me.