HOW DO I SUPPORT MY SELF-HARMING LOVED ONE?

TRIGGER WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS INFORMATION ABOUT SELF HARM (SELF INJURY) WHICH MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SURVIVORS.

I’m so glad you’re here. For your loved one to embrace recovery, they need you. They may not know it yet, but they do! You and the community of positive influences around them will be the key in this battle. The following are some ideas to get started or continue encouraging healing.

Listen

Ok this tip seems obvious, but I want to challenge you. Are you really listening? Without judgment? Without interrupting to give advice? This kind of listening is antithetical to our nature. We want to help, and we equate helping with solving the problem.

Offer choices

Self-harmers often feel as if they have no control over their lives. They then exert control by self-harming. Offering limited choices can help them regain authority over their environment and reduce the urge to self-harm.

PLAN SOMETHING Together

A trip - to the grocery store or the sandy beaches of Hawaii - might be just what the self-harmer in your life needs. Doing something together shows you care, and unconditional love is always welcome.