My friend just told me she's been cutting for two years...help!

[Blue63]

Perhaps a month ago I was at my best friends house. We were in a small group of our regular friends. We were playing a game in which I revealed that I used to cut myself. Now, to them, I'm usually a sweet, awkward, innocent person. They were all taken by surprise.

My friend, whom I absolutely love to death and would do anything for, was talking to me and informed me she's been addicted to cutting for two years. My heart sank. I couldn't imagine. This is obviously much more serious than anything I've ever run in contact with. I was never "addicted" to cutting. I had depression and the self-mutilation spawned from that. The depression was long, but the cutting was merely a short stint. I don't think that's what she has and I'm way out of my league. She's clearly come to me to seek my help. I'm not going to be this preachy, self-righteous person that scolds her. So if that's what your suggesting, forget it. But I need to help her in some ways. I'll of course offer myself to talk to WHENEVER she needs it. But what else can I do? I'd love some advice here, as I can't imagine life without this person. She needs to stop, but I don't know how to make her. Please, please help me.

Thanks!
~Matt

[The Madness.]

Be there for her, always. Just support her whenever she's about to cut, show her that she can move on from that. Remember how you stopped cutting, and try to help her by telling her how you did it.

[Ambrosia]

Be there for her, always. Just support her whenever she's about to cut, show her that she can move on from that. Remember how you stopped cutting, and try to help her by telling her how you did it.

Exactly.
Don't go running to an adult unless that is what she wants you too because sometimes that can just make it worse. You have to be there for her any time she wants to talk because often times people who self-harm feel as if they have no one to share their feelings with. Make sure she knows you support her.

[charlotte945]

You should help her, make sure she nows you're always gana be there for her . I would be devistated if my friend left me when i told her i cut. Just help her out with her problomes

[Blue63]

Be there for her, always. Just support her whenever she's about to cut, show her that she can move on from that. Remember how you stopped cutting, and try to help her by telling her how you did it.

I will, I absolutely will! I've been thinking back and analyzing the time I spent cutting and trying to figure out who I got myself to stop. I know my personal experience is going to be different than hers, but the whole point is that she won't be alone in the matter. I also plan on catching up on my research, telling her everything I can to get her to end it. Thanks for the help!

Exactly.
Don't go running to an adult unless that is what she wants you too because sometimes that can just make it worse. You have to be there for her any time she wants to talk because often times people who self-harm feel as if they have no one to share their feelings with. Make sure she knows you support her.

I don't plan on running to an adult, unless she explicitly tells me that she needs it. I know that could make her feel deserted and embarrassed. I plan on being there for her anytime she reaches out to me. I just have to make sure that she texts me whenever she's thinking about cutting. She's the type of person that keeps things inside, so the hard part is getting her to talk to me. Thanks for the help!

You should help her, make sure she nows you're always gana be there for her . I would be devistated if my friend left me when i told her i cut. Just help her out with her problomes

I would never leave her, especially when something like this is going in her life. I'll be sure to do everything I can to help her. Thanks!