How do I deal with friends who self-harm?

It depends on your relationship with them, and they way you want your relationship to be. If you want to be close, it will be important to be patient, to offer a listening ear, to help gently encourage them to go to therapy and/or a psychiatrist. If you want a more acquaintance relationship, just don't be judgmental. Don't bring it up, but don't shut them down either if they bring it up. If you just can'thandle the discussion, let them know, and acknowledge that your relationship may be permanently at an acquaintance stage, or die off completely. Each outcome is kind of okay. It really just depends what kind of support you can, and want to, give. Learning more about self harm is KEY to being a close and supportive friend. Learning about DBT skills would also be helpful.

Let them know that you are there for them and let them know that you want to help them. Don't judge them, I know that when my friends found out I cut they'd constantly be telling me "I can't believe you do that" or "Why don't you just stop" or "Why can't you deal with your feelings some other way?", I constantly felt like I was under their scrutiny. Love on them....let them know that if they need to talk that you'd love to be able to be there for them. If they end up hurting themselves and needing medical attention, and you can, see if they'll allow you to accompany them to a doctor or hospital-it can be scary to go through that on ones own (even if it isn't the first time they've done it). Check in on them and make sure they're doing ok, sometimes something as simple as a "hey, how are you doing today" text can make all the difference in the world-they know someone cares about them!

Do they know that you have realized they self harm? If they haven't, don't force them to stop or force them to tell you. Self harm is a very serious problem and it's a very hard habit to quit. Provide support and empathy for you friend and just be there whenever he/she needs you. Do not tell everyone, perhaps tell a trusted parent or teacher as long as the person dealing with self harm knows first.

i try to understand the reason why they do it. as a person who went through it myself, i know that different people got different reasons as to why they do things. then, i try my best to make sure that he knows that he is loved. that there is someone out there that understands him and that he can talk to and call and hold on to and lean on to without forcing it on them. i understand that we all need space and they need theirs too.

You should support them, and not turn away. Be there for them if they want to talk to you, but do not force them to talk about it, as some people do not like talking about it. If no adult knows (parents for example), you should tell them, even if they don't want their parents to know, it's better if you do. The only way your friends will get better is if they get help. Good luck :)

I think your position in that situation is to simply be supportive of them, and try to help them figure out other ways to cope. You dont have to agree with them or their self harming, but being a friend for them will do more than enough. Be there to lean on, be welcoming, and be open. Best of luck!

The best way to deal with friends who self-harm is to be supportive let them know that you are always going to be there for them and that you would really like it if they would try and talk to you about whats going on and why they feel the need to self harm.

Based on my personal experience of self harming, I know that people who harm themselves need support. If somebody is self harming, you should be there for them and listen to what they have to say. Ask them why they self harm and what they get out of if; this can help to make them aware that self harm doesn't really make anything better. Never judge somebody or make jokes based on their scars.

Tell an adult or talk to them about it. I mean don't give advice or anything like that just support them and be the shoulder that they could lean on.

The best thing you can do is give your friend the most support as you can...don't try to force them yo stop because it has to be them who want to quit...so just be there for them and show them you still love them..its very important