how to talk about self harm?

Question

please dont judge...
im not trying to get attention i just want to know how can i tell my parents or a friend that i cut myself, its really hard for me to talk about this things so is there anyone that can help me

Bored: i want to tell them because i need help....

Answer 1

Try writing things down and showing them that to open up a discussion, that can help with the nervousness. I haven't told my doctor everything, nor does my dad particulary know everything either.

Good luck

Answer 2

You'll probably get a lot of answers telling you the 'best' way to do it, and there's nothing wrong with that. Except you don't need to hear it 500 times. I'll just give you some of my story.

I never told my mother. She was sick with brain cancer (that was half the problem), and I just didn't want to stress her out more. But, I did tell my father. I probably didn't take the best approach; but like you...I didn't know how to just come out and TELL him, so I showed him. I said there was something I needed to talk to him about, and then I rolled up my sleeves and showed him the cuts on my arms.

Now, my father is an extremely understanding parent; and I think most wouldn't have taken it as well as he did. At first he was extremely puzzled, and asked if I'd 'tried to shave my arms." I guess he couldn't comprehend what would make my arms look like that. But, when he finally understood he was very supportive and sympathetic. It didn't make him angry.

I can't give you a definite answer on the best way to tell YOUR parents, because all people are different and will react differently to different things. But, here's a few links if you don't know them already. They may give helpful information about this:

http://www.recoveryourlife.com
http://www.psyke.org

I wish you the best in your efforts to get help and understanding. I know it takes a lot of courage to be honest with someone about this, especially parents. And, even if they react in anger...try to remember it's probably because they're scared for you and just very shocked and surprised about someone they love.

Answer 3

write a letter.. or get a tape recorder or a camera and record it. Just be honest and truthful and explain whats going on, how you feel, why you do it.
It's not easy to admit what is going on in your head. But it's good that you are accepting it and asking for their help.. and/or trying to find a way to do it.

Give them what you've written/taped.. approach them and say, "mom dad, ive got something very important to tell you about. Please take a look at this." Let them read/listen/watch it and then go back in and sit down after they have some time to absorb it.

Best of luck with everything. I hope that things work out better for you.

Remember that after the darkness comes the light... I'm sorry you are having a difficult time. It will be alright though.. things could always be so worse.

Answer 4

Finding out that their child is self-injuring can be a shock to the system. Your parents' initial reaction may disturb you. I'd suggest talking first with a school counselor (who will likely have you referred to a qualified professional) or someone who's been there.

I never cut until I was in my 30s, so I didn't have to deal with telling my parents. But telling my husband, and explaining the cuts to my kids, was an awful experience.

If you just want someone to talk to for now, email me. You can tell me as much or as little as you're comfortable with. Open offer.

Answer 5

Just tell them that you need to have a talk with them (if you have siblings, they should NOT be in the room or allowed to come in while you are having this talk) ... and TELL THEM that you have 'cut yourself' and that you would like to get HELP for doing this ... you need the care of a good psychologist/ psychiatrist and possibly medication to help you get better. DO NOT BE ASHAMED. TALK OPENLY to your parents, and get the help you need. GOOD LUCK. I'll be praying for you.

Answer 6

you need to talk to someone who you are comfortable with.
cutting can very easily turn into a addiciton.
you probally want to go to your parents and will probally have to go to counseling. you have some depression somewhere and there is a release for you through cutting. dont hide this and one day you cut and try to end your life.
ive been down that road and talk to your parents.

good luck , hope you get better

Answer 7

You go to the parent you are closest to and you say, "______, I need to talk about something and need to know you will not freak out on me but will help me instead."

Then you just say you started experimenting with cutting and it scares you, that you want to figure out why and stop.

This isnt something you can really prepare for. It is something you have to close your eyes and just say it to one of them. Just out right say it. And yes, you really need to soon.

hey, things will be ok...just dont go through this alone anymore, ok?

Answer 8

if u find a good way 2 tell ur parents could u plezzz tell me mine r just a little un easy about things like this & i dont no how 2 tell them i cut

so if u fin a way tell me

Answer 9

Tell your parents or someone else close to you EXACTLY how you feel. I know i have a problem where i am scared to death of stating my particular fear/anxiety to someone because i think it would sound crazy to them...but you HAVE to tell them those particular thoughts you have that eat at you the most...they will respect you for telling them that because it took courage to tell them and they will resolve it with you....good luck

Answer 10

why u want 2 do that. i think u need help.