Getting Help

For Self-harm victims

If someone you know is self-harming, don't directly approach them about the subject. It's very hard for them to talk about it and if you bring up the topic out of nowhere, it will stress them out, causing them to want to self-harm more. Instead, bring up the subject lightly. Talk to them in private and keep calm. The main idea is to not stress out the victim more.

When talking to the victim, DO NOT ask questions such as "Why are you doing this to yourself?", "What's making you want to do this?", "What did I do wrong?" as these questions are very stressful. Instead, go up the victim calmly and say "I've seen the marks on you and I want you to know I'm here for you. I want to help." Let them know you just want to understand what they're going through.

Though it may be scary to the self-harmer at first, getting professional help is the safest and most effective way to set them on the path to a happier, better life. The therapist is only there to help and will show healthier ways of relieving stress and better ways to deal with the struggles everyday life.

For Suicide Victims

If you or someone you know is suicidal or self-harms, please remember this: Self-harm and suicide are scary things to think about, and for the victims, it's very hard to talk about it. But talking about it is the first step in getting help.

Self-Harm Alternatives

Alternatives are a safe way to recreate the self-injurous behavior without actually causing any harm. These are only temporary, as the main purpose is to wean the victim off of the self-injurous behavior.

Some safe alternatives include:

Drawing lines on the area with a red pen
Rubbing an ice cube over the area
Snapping rubber bands over the area (However, this can become addictive if done for too long.)
The Butterfly Project: Draw a butterfly on the area that is self-harmed. The idea is you don't want to hurt the butterfly; you want to keep it alive. If you self-harm on the area, you have killed the butterfly and have to start all over again.
Every time you want to self-harm, instead write the name of someone you love (friend, family member, pet, etc.) in the area you would self-harm.

If someone you know is suicidal, it is important to know the warning signs. If someone you know is:

Talking about suicide or death
Feeling hopeless or helpless
Suddenly seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other lethal means
Withdrawing from others or activities the person usually love
Saying goodbye to others as if they'll never see them again.
Engaging in self-destructive or risky behavior

If someone you know is engaging in suicidal behavior, it is important to not stress them out! You need to talk to this person as soon as possible, but approach them and the subject calmly and in private. If you don't know where to start, simply say to them "I'd like to talk to you. I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately." Help them understand that what they're considering is not the answer.

DO NOT WAIT! Get professional help for the victim immediately! You don't want to wait until it's too late.