Two of my friends self-harm...

[Lozza]

One close friend, one not as close friend.
I don't think I'll ever talk to the not as close friend about it, because it's not really something she would feel comfortable talking to me about.

However, the closer friend has spoken to me a lot about it. She'd managed to stop for almost a year when her Mum upset her and now she's relapsed.
I asked her a few days ago why she actually cuts, because I've always supported her but never really known why. She said she doesn't really know either, which I can understand. I can understand why she cuts, although I've never cut myself (although I have been very tempted to, but managed to push the urges away through music and most probably God too). She isn't Christian by the way.
I know she's having a hard time with her Mum at the moment, and that and school stress I think are a major reason.

I'd just like to know if anyone here had any further tips for how I could help these friends through what they're going through.

God bless you all, and may He heal those of you currently going through self-injury.

 

[livingforGod135]

pray for them, continue to be there for them, let them talk if they want to, let them not talk if they dont want to... dont dob on them... they'd probably lose all trust in u

 

[HolyOne87]

Like LivingForGod said, be there for them..Comfort her in her times of need. Sometimes just getting them outside helps, getting fresh air and just walking and talking. Usually that can relieve some stress. Especially since its with her mom, getting out of the house every once in a while might help reduce her stress a little bit.

Because I know being subjected to something that can make one tempted to hurt themselves will make them more and more inclined to do so. For example, the more I was subjected to hurtful words from others, the more inclined I got to Self-Injure.

I will pray that things with her mom do get resolved. Has she expressed how she felt to her mother? (that what her mom said hurt her feelings).

 

[berry2000]

Let them know you are there for them no matter what. That you will keep their confidence unless you feel they are a danger to themselves (suicidal). Encourage them to seek counseling or talk to a "safe" adult. And listen. Cutters often don't have anyone to talk to help get their feelings out and hold them in.

You sound like a really great friend. A lot of us don't have someone like that.

 

[Lozza]

Thank you. I've been doing everything you've all said already. Yay, I must be doing something right
I don't think she's self-harmed for about two weeks now