How do you tell your parents you do self harm?

Answer 1

I wrote everything down in a letter and gave it to them to read. I told them to read it that night and then we could discuss it the next day or in two days, when everyone has had time to take in the details and gotten over their initial shock. I told them (in the letter) that it was a way I dealt with stress in my life, that it wasn't anything to do with wanting to die, but with for the moment struggling to live the life I wanted. I won't say they fully accept what I do even now, they're still disappointed if I turn to self-harm, but they do realise it's something I do.

Prepare yourself with as much information as you can take in, even offer to research the issue together. Let them know that you need their acceptance even if they don't understand it. You'll need their support when you feel ready for recovery, let them know you still love them and need them. You may even want to suggest you visit your doctor together as they too will need some support.

Answer 2

It is an extremely difficult thing to do. (I know because I self harm and know several people who also had to tell their parents).

It is hard when you cannot be sure how they will react.

Most parents are devastated and find it difficult to understand. I would recommend getting some literature to have at hand. Try and get some support yourself.

I would suggest having an idea about what questions they have and be prepared in your own mind for responses they might make.

It isn't going to be easy. I would suggest sitting down and being up front and straightforward. Let them have their say as well as you having yours. Give yourselves space and be prepared to revisit the subject.

Not knowing your situation, I can only tell you what happened to me. I didn't tell my folks - they found out. However much distress they would have been in if I had told the is much less than it was when they discovered it

There are some superb selfarm websites. Try putting selfharm into your wsearch engine and see what comes up. I found a few of the chat rooms very helpful.

All the best

Answer 3

The best thing is to sit them down with information to hand, u will need to be prepared for them to b angry, upset, sad and feeling helpless but if u r able to answer their questions and reassure them that it isn't suicide, it's a way of coping a way of fighting personal battles it may ease it.
Its a very tough thing for u to do, but a very brave thing. My parents found out by mistake (I cut an artery) not the best way to go!!
I dont know about u but I found it was a way of releasing anger, by hurting myself I wasnt hurting anyone else, a way of punishing myself, a way of having feeling as sometimes I felt numb and to feel the pain I was human, a way to block things out, just remember you control it and it can b stopped when u feel ready. (I managed to stop 4 yrs ago)
just look after yourself and however you harm b careful ( I'm disabled due to not taking care with self-harm I went too far)
I really hope it goes well for you,

Answer 4

It is really hard. When my parents found out they found out becuase the school told on me. at first they freaked but,.. dont be afraid they might be able to help who knows.

Answer 5

Remembering that they love you very much, let them express their feelings, which may be somewhat confused at first. Tell them how they can help you, -
God bless.

Answer 6

because if you do just email us with: your name your parent's name your home addressand your postcode we mabye be able to tell them more easily than you can as you may be too scared

[e-mail]

Answer 7

a very hard one but they love you and will support you mine did they got me help and i am still within the mental health net work get help!!