Trigger warning: Self-harm talk

Self-harm has been a topic in schools for so many years and it's a very addicting thing. When people are depressed and they don't get help for their depression right away, they can start cutting themselves thinking that they are worthless, and they want to feel something by committing self-harm. In this Let's Talk, I am going to talk about ways you can help someone who self-harms. If you feel uncomfortable about reading stuff like this, please leave. With that being said, let's begin...

It's important to know that self-harm is not a suicide attempt, but people who self-harm are more likely to attempt suicide. Even when suicide is not a goal, it can still cause serious injuries. Self-harm is also a sign of emotional distress. Adults and children self-harm because of some of these reasons...

Most people who self-harm are struggling with powerful emotions and it gives them a sense of relief.

Self-harm provides a sense of control over other things they can't control.It can start as an impulsive behavior, but it becomes harder to stop the more they do it.

Some people who harm themselves are also struggling with other urges, behaviors.

People who cut are more likely to have mental health problems, like Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, or eating disorders.

Those who self-harm may...

hide marks on their body and, if the marks are noticed, make excuses for them .

appear depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, and get angry or upset if confronted about self-harm

doing poorly in school or seem socially isolated

miss class time to see therapists or school counselors

need extra time to complete class assignments and homework

If a friend or someone you know admits to you that they self-harm, or if you struggle with self-harm yourself, here are some ways that may help you or others...

Talk about it. You've asked about the cuts and scratches — and maybe your friend changed the subject. Try again. Let your friend know that you won't judge and that you want to help if you can. If your friend still won't talk about it, just let him or her know the offer stands and you are open to talking anytime.

Tell someone. If your friend asks you to keep the self-harming a secret, say that you aren't sure you can because you care. Tell your friend that he or she deserves to feel better. Then tell an adult in a position to help, like your parents, a school psychologist or counselor, or a teacher or coach your friend is close to.

Help your friend find resources. Try to help your friend find someone to talk to and a place to get treatment. There are also some good books and online support groups for people who self-injure.

Help your friend find alternatives to cutting. Some people find that the urge to self-injure passes if they squeeze an ice cube in their hand really hard, draw with a red marker on the body part they feel like hurting, take a walk with a friend (you!), rip up old newspapers, stroke their cat or dog, play loud music and dance, or find another distraction or outlet for their feelings.

Acknowledge your friend's pain. Let friends know that you get what they're going through by saying things like, "Your feelings must just overwhelm you sometimes. You've been through a lot — no wonder you hurt. I want to help you find a way to cope that won't hurt you anymore."

Be a good role model. Everyone experiences painful emotions like hurt, anger, loss, disappointment, guilt, or sadness. These emotions are part of being human. Coping with strong emotions — instead of dwelling on them and continuing to feel bad — involves a few key skills, like knowing how to calm yourself down when you're upset, putting feelings into words, and working out solutions to everyday problems. Be the kind of person who can do this and your friend will learn from you.

Now, if you self-harm, here are some tips that can help you...

call a friend and talk about something completely different

take a shower (make sure you don't have razors in the shower)

go for a walk or run, take a bike ride, dance like crazy, or get some other form of exercise

play with a pet

watch TV (change the channel if the show gets upsetting or features cutting)

drink a glass of water

play with a pet

take a shower (make sure you don't have razors in the shower)

take a bath (make sure you don't have razors near the tub)

listen to soothing music that will shift your mood

try a breathing exercisetry some relaxing yoga exercises

I know that self-harm is a hard thing to talk about, but by shedding a light on this, I hope that I can help my readers start a conversation and help those who are suffering from self-harm. I hope these tips help you or someone you know.

With Love,

Duskprincess89