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Supporting someone who self-harms
If you're supporting someone who self-harms, you might have lots of different feelings. But it's important to try and understand why they might be doing it, as well as what you can do to help.
It's important to try and remain calm when you discover a loved one is self-harming.
Try to understand that self-harm is a coping method. Those who self-harm are usually looking for a way to cope with their emotions and live. It doesn't necessarily mean they're suicidal.
When someone is relying on self-harm as a coping method, it can be dangerous to force them to stop immediately, without helping them find alternatives. Remember that self-harm is how they're dealing with severe emotional pain. Preventing them from self-harming will not get rid of this pain.
Instead, talk to them. Tell them you love them and that you are there to support them. Help them to explore why they self-harm and identify healthy alternatives.
Find more information about supporting a survivor.
