What can I do as a friend against self harm??

[the4given]

Hey all,
This topic is for my girlfriend. She is kinda addicted to self harm. Though she doesn't have more problems then other people, she gets depressed periods often. We talk a lot about it. And I already helped her a lot she sais. But sometimes she still gets depressed and I really don't know what to do about it anymore.

The only real self harm she's doing is cutting herself. She knows it hurts me more then her when she does it... So she tries not to. But the feeling of depression gets worse every time. And if she can't cut herself she has the feeling all of this feelings are bottled up inside and she can't hold it any longer.

I really need help with this. I want her to be happy and set free of her addiction. But I really don't know how anymore. She also doesn't want to get proffesional help.

Hope some of u have some very usefull tips.


Thx a lot already.


Ps: Sorry for my bad English

[Truth]

Just give her support and be there for her, always.

[Project Delta]

Just try and talk to her all the time she wants to talk, LISTEN , LISTEN, LISTEN. MAke her feel loved, and feel good about herself with compliments so she wont feel that she is not worthy and therefore wont see the need to cut.

[Underground_Network]

Talking works. Talking can take the place of cutting. As can other hobbies. Do things with her, spend as much time as you can afford to spend with her (don't overdo it) and just do anything and everything, and make sure she knows you care for her. Eventually she'll cut less and less, and eventually she'll stop. And so long as you stay dedicated to her, she'll probably overcome her cutting addiction, though nothing is ever a guarantee.

[BuryYourFlame]

Just try and be there for her as much as possible, let her know that she is loved, and has a place with you and within her friend group.

I would also recommend trying to talk to her about getting professional help.

[Becky]

As a friend there is no way you can make her stop cutting this is something she has to fo herself but you can completely support her let her know it hurts you but don't be judgemental and always be there as someone to talk to Just the fact your worried shows you care about her. x

[byee]

I take a very straightforward approach to these questions b/c the stakes are so high with SH, so fasten your seat belt.

I'd tell her in no uncertain terms that she needs to stop. That you will be there for her, that you will love her, but that she needs to stop. If she can do this on her own, great. iI not, you will tell your parents and hers and make sure she gets to someone who will help her stop. I would not worry about rejection here, i would not accept her protets or dismissal, I would be very clear that she has a choice on how she stops (alone or with some help), but that she does not have the choice to continue to SH.

It's a lot of responsibility to know a loved one is engaging in something that could kill them and not really be equipped to stop it. That's why I don't offer the sugar coated response to these things, "Support" won't stop the bleeding, you know.

(I told you it would be blunt.......)

[Triceratops]

You need to be straight forward with her; you need to get her to STOP harming herself with all the help you guys can get, but at the same time make sure she knows you there to support her. Although, don't let her take advantage of that, ever.